Gerard Melvin Knowles, 84 of Fellsmere, Florida passed away on Monday, October 29th, 2018 following complications from a fall.

Gerard was born on August 15th, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Percy and Isabel Knowles. He moved to Florida when he was 10 years old, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 18 in early 1952. Following active service in the Korean conflict, Gerard returned home and married Dorothy Jurkiewicz whom he met in High School. They spent their early marriage in California while Gerard served at Camp Pendleton, they then returned to Miami, Florida (and civilian life) to raise their growing family and start his own automotive business in 1956. Later Gerard opened G.M. Knowles Garage in North Miami in 1965 and ran the business until his retirement in 1993. After 38 years of being a business owner, he turned the business over to his son, Mark. After a break he spent 10 years with the Indian River County Sheriff's Department as a volunteer serving the public. He spent his life surrounded by and working with family - his 2 parents, 8 brothers, 1 sister, 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 1 step grand daughter and 7 great grandchildren (so far). He also enjoyed boating, caring for his property and studying military history and weaponry.

Gerard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Knowles and his children Susan Smith (husband Roy); MaryLynn Tapia (husband Pete); Gary Knowles (wife Ellen); and Barry Knowles (wife Lisa). Gerard was pre deceased by his son Mark Knowles, and his daughter Wanda Fries.  Gerard is also survived by siblings Doug, Wayne, Michael and Barbara Knowles, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Gerard's life will be held on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at Seawinds Funeral Home, 735 S. Fleming Street, Sebastian, Florida 32958. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with Service to follow at 2:00 pm. After the service the Family is inviting everyone who attends to come and continue the celebration of his life with food and beverages at the Inlet at Sebastian Condominiums "Club House" address is 13530 Westport Drive, Sebastian, Fl 32958. Parking is available for the younger/abler folks to park on the Old Dixie Road shoulder so there will be enough spots for those that need to park close to the club house, you can park in the resident spaces that day.

His ashes will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida at a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations made in Gerard's honor should be sent to William Childs Hospice House 381 Medplex Pkwy, Palm Bay, Florida 32907 phone (321)434-8400 where he spent his last few days.

Each morning Gerard would wake up and say, "I Feel Great!" and we're sure that on October 30, 2018 he had the opportunity to say it again in a wonderful place.