Roy Earl Knox, Jr.

Roy Earl Knox, Jr., 76, of Newnan, GA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, August 14, 2026. Roy was a lifelong resident of Newnan, GA, and a 1969 graduate of Newnan High School. Not a fan of the traditional classroom, Roy received his higher education in the school of life, also known fondly as the School of Hard Knox. As a youth, he began his working career in the family business at Knox Company alongside his parents and siblings. Known for his maverick style and entrepreneurial vision, Roy's passions and life interests guided his career path down many trails (both figuratively and literally), including real estate, multiple restaurant businesses, property development and management, bail bonding, sawmilling, selling and trading cars, farming, meat smoking, horse-trading, and even owning and operating a hot air balloon. There are likely a whole mess of things we don't even know about! Truly, the scope of Roy's life, work, relationships, and positive impact on those around him is impossible to capture in words. Roy was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished brother, and friend to many - far and wide. Above all, Roy will be remembered for his generosity. A dear friend of Roy's tells a story in which he met a stranger in a faraway place, and upon telling the new acquaintance he was from Newnan, GA, the man replied, "Oh, I know someone from Newnan - Roy Knox! I love Roy!" To which the friend responded, "Everyone loves Roy." Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Virginia Knox. and son Gilliam Cheatham. In addition to his wife, Margaret Knox, Roy is survived by his daughter Amy St. Laurent of Newnan and son Tanner Knox (Becca) of Charleston, SC, daughters Eleanor Cheatham of Newnan, Laura Barnhart (JR) of Charleston, SC. Brother Mark Knox (Danette) of Newnan, sisters Jan Knox Deyton of Newnan and Jill Knox of Woodland, GA. Grandchildren Ellen and Luke St. Laurent of Newnan, Madeline Jayne Knox of Charleston, SC, Cheney and Blakely Lawson of Newnan, Elizabeth and William Barnhart of Charleston, SC, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to make a memorial donation do so to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University or treat a friend, loved one, or perfect stranger to lunch. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.mckoon.com A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 96 Jefferson Street, in Newnan, with Dr. Joel Richardson officiating. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Roy Earl Knox, Jr.

May 29, 1950 - August 14, 2026