Jessie Lewis "Chester" Knowles, 67, of Lake City, FL, died Thursday, June 2, 2011, at his home after a lengthy illness. Chester was born in Smithville, TN to the late Wilse and Charlie Elizabeth Summers Knowles. He had resided in Lake City for the past 28 years after moving here from Ocala, FL. While in Ocala, he was the manager of Roger Maris Distributing Company for 18 years and also worked with Kenny Wichen's and Maxie Maheffy Beer Distributor. In Lake City, he was the owner of Knowles Distributing Company for 10 years and Tri-County Snacks for 15 years and had been self-employed setting up mobile homes as Florida's Finest Mobile Homes Setup. Chester was a member of Ocala Scottish Rites, Ocala Masonic Lodge, Ocala Shrine Club, Lake City Elks Club and a member of Berea Baptist Church. He was an avid quail hunter (founder of Bob White Quail Hunting Club) and enjoyed fishing. He was devoted to his family.

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years: Linda Knowles, Lake City, FL; three sons: Rodney Knowles (Christine), Rusty Knowles (Gina), both of Lake City and Scott Lasher (Cindy) of Citra, FL; one daughter: Rhonda Crews (M. Troy), Lake City, FL; one brother: Dick Knowles (Louise), Smithville, TN; eleven grandchildren: Dustin Crews, Kyla Larson, Jesse Knowles, Matthew Knowles, Taylor Crews, Shelbi Knowles, Shelby Jones, Brooklynn Crews, Carly Knowles, Tristan Knowles, and Austin Knowles; one great grandchild: Jaylen Wade. Numerous other relatives and good friends also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Sweat officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at the funeral home from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL (386-752-1954) is in charge of all arrangements. Please sign the guest register at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.