Retired Fire Chief, Joe H. Knowles, Sr.

Former Fire Chief, Joe H. Knowles passed away Monday, April 20, 2026. Joe was born September 13, 1932, to Claude P. and Rose Campbell Knowles who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by brothers, Claude P. Knowles, Jr., Dorman, and George Knowles & wife, Sally.)

Joe was married to the former Joyce Hobbs in February 1954. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of a son, Joe H. Knowles, Jr.
Surviving are son, Joe H. (Sharon) Knowles, Jr., brother, Bill (Marlene) Knowles, sister, Virginis Pell, all of Chattanooga. Sisters-in-law include Barbara (wife of Bud), Hildagarde (wife of Dorman), and several nieces and nephews.

Chief Knowles spent his entire working career with the City of Chattanooga. He became the thirteenth Fire Chief of the Fire Department in 1976. After 32 years of service, his career was cut short by a nearly fatal accident in 1984. His desire was to have the finest fire department in the Southeast, and it was to be centered around the knowledge he obtained from attending more than 32 schools focusing on the principals of saving lives and properly training those under his command to protect themselves in one of the nation's most hazardous jobs.

He established the first Fire Training Center on Amnicola Highway, which was named in his honor and established the first ambulance service in Chattanooga; Hamilton County Ambulance Services. Serving the community and proudly giving their best were virtues of his family that were instilled in them.

Joe also served in the Tennessee National Guard and was honorably discharged after eight years of service.
Joe was a man of strong Christian values and moral ethics. He attended Grace Church of the Nazarene for many years and was a member of the Pioneer Sunday School Class, served on the church board, and as a church usher.
Later, he attended Red Bank United Methodist Church where he faithfully worshipped as long as possible. In later years, he was a supporter and contributor to Signal Mountain Church of the Nazarene.

Funeral service and eulogy will be conducted by Earl Freudenburg, a longtime family friend, a well-known speaker, and radio personality.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11 AM til 1 PM at Hamilton Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 1:00 PM with
burial to follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care, visits, and prayers, especially Christy, Lora, and Chaplain Matt.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343 423-531-3975.