Richard Timothy Knowles, 57, of Forest City, NC died on Friday, June 27, 2014 at Hospice of Rutherford County. He was born in Gastonia, NC and grew up in Cramerton, NC and Gastonia, NC. Richard was the son of Thomas W. Knowles, Jr and Billie B. Knowles. Richard graduated from Gaston Day School and attended Belmont Abbey College. While at Gaston Day he played on two championship basketball teams. As a starter on both teams, Richard was a true team player. He was also an outstanding musician and singer. Richard is survived by his daughter Katie Knowles of Charlotte, his brother; Thomas W. Knowles, III and wife Ernestene; nephew Wesley T. Knowles and wife Heidi Knowles, niece Erin K. Nixon and husband William Nixon. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 102 South Central Avenue, Belmont, North Carolina on Wednesday, July 2. Visitation will be held from 10-11 with a memorial service to follow at 11. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Charlotte, NC (www.nami-charlotte.org).