William H. Knotts - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

William H. Knotts

Born October 10, 1934

William H. Knotts, known fondly as Bill and Herbie, age 79, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

Born in Newark, Delaware, on October 10, 1934, Bill was a son of the late Clifton T. Knotts and Jesse T. Foote Knotts. He proudly served his country as a member of the Delaware Air National Guard, 267th Ordinance Company, in New Castle, DE. Bill began his career at the Newark Post office and was later appointed to the Delaware State Police, retiring at the rank of Captain, after 20 years of dedicated service – by far his proudest accomplishment in life. Following his retirement, he worked for 15 years at the DuPont Experimental Station and then later for both MBNA and the Rockford Center.

Bill was a standout student athlete during his days at Newark High School, where he was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He later shared his love of sports by volunteering countless hours coaching youth teams throughout the Newark area. Bill was a lifetime member of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company and the Retired Delaware State Police Association and was a longtime parishioner of Holy Family R.C. Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James C. Knotts. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Christine Owens Knotts; son, W. Bradley Knotts and wife Vicki; daughters, T. Lynn Mulholland and Cheryl C. Reeder and husband Dan; granddaughter, Danielle Mulholland; grandsons, Timothy Mulholland, Jr., Kevin Knotts, Kyle Knotts, Troy Reeder, and Colby Reeder; and great grandson, Chase Mulholland.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of the parents, players, and fans that came into Bill’s life while he was coaching youth sports and to the many doctors and nurses who took care of him during his illness.

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711, where friends may call from 11 am until 12 Noon. Burial will be held privately in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, P.O. Box 148, Newark, DE 19715.

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19 Condolences for William H. Knotts

  • May loving memories bring peace and comfort to the entire family.
    Our warmest condolences.
    ~The Dignan Family

  • Good bye uncle bill. I spent much more time with you earlier in life and you will be missed. If you see my dad, say hi for me.

  • So very sorry to hear of Bills passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy. Paul and Janet Fahringer

  • Christine: I am so sorry for your loss. Herbie was a good person and a good friend. He will be missed. Take comfort that he is no longer suffering. My sympathy to you and the kids. Love; Charlie Burris

  • He was a good man. I always felt safe in our nieghborhood knowing he was there. God has another good man at his side.

    God Bless

  • Rest in peace Captain. Thoughts and prayers with the Knotts family.

  • Christine,

    You may not remember me, I worked with Herbie at Troop 2. I came to your house with him once when you lived in Todd Estates to play your organ. Herbie was a very good friend. I can’t tell you how badly I feel to learn that he passed away. We were both from Newark and always had a lot to talk about. I send you and your family my deepest sympathy. Everyone who knew him will miss him. All my best, Harry Lednum

  • Sorry to hear of “Bill’s” passing. I have a lot of memories of playing softball with him on the Aenta Hose Hook & Ladder team. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jack Rust

  • Sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Herb while I was working at the DuPont Xstation. He truly one of the good guys. Always made me laugh. God Bless.

  • My heart goes out to you all! I remember getting a ride or two around the neighborhood on the back of his police motorcycle many years ago. I also remember his smile and his laugh and the sports, sports, sports…

  • To the Knotts Family
    I want to send my sorrow about the loss of Mr. Knotts I always will remember him as a great man and role model. He gave a lot of sacrifices with the State Police and was a Life member Like my father and my self of Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder volunteer Fire Company. He protected us and at times reprimanded us at times really just me. But in life he gave and was a leader a true Angle in life.
    Know he will look after all his loved ones he now has the wings of that angle. Please rest in peace
    Mr. Knotts you are a special Man. May God have mercy on your sole

  • We are very sorry for your loss.Just know our thoughts are with you all.

  • My heartfelt sympathy to the Knott’s family.
    I remember my Mother, Sally Paris, talking about the good times she and my Dad had with Bill and Chris.
    Those times were so long ago but she smiled whenever she remembered them.
    I hope you smile as well when you remember the wonderful times you shared.
    The stars will shine a little brighter now. Kim Paris Stitik

  • Dear Aunt Christine, Brad, Lynn & Cheryl & families,
    I am so sorry. Although we haven’t seen each other in quite a while, I can hear Uncle Bill’s voice, telling some crazy story about when you all (Mom, Bunky, you Aunt Christine) were younger. I don’t remember the story but I can hear his voice. Probably had something to do with an Ocean City trip. I am sure that you all have wonderful memories and I hope they comfort you now. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it up as Angelos will be out of town. His flight was cancelled last week and he rescheduled for this week. Mom & Bunky are coming up. With much love and fond memories.

  • worked with Bill, security at MBNA, pleasure to work with and talk to. Prayers to his family.

  • Herb,
    You are the best!
    Bill Andrews, Retired
    DuPont Experimental Station

  • Christine – absolutely one of my favorite people, many laughs and lots of fun bowling! I am ill, so not sure I will get down to see you, but please know my thoughts are with you and the family. I will see Brad to give him a hug, but pass one on to Lynn & Cheryl. Take care, Love, Marcia

  • Dear Brad, your Dad was such a great guy, lots of fun, and I will always remember his smile & great spirit. I don’t think your Dad knew a stranger, he was kind to everyone he meant. Sending heartfelt prayers to you and your entire family. May God bring all of you peace, love & understanding.
    God Bless, Franny

  • Mrs. Knotts, Lynn, Cheryl, and Brad,

    So sorry to hear about your loss. You and Mr. Knotts are in my thoughts and prayers. I still carry many fond memories of Mr Knotts, including being lucky to be the bat boy on some of the baseball teams he coached and a great trip to a Baltimore Orioles playoff game. He was truly a great man – the best – and will be missed by many. I wish I could make it up to Newark on Friday to properly pay my respects but unfortunately will not be able to. God bless Mr Knotts, his wonderful family, and all of his friends during this difficult time.

    John Gossick Jr.