Henry Thomas “Hank” Knisley

Henry Thomas “Hank” Knisley, 87, of Oakland, Mississippi passed away Monday, June 30, 2025, at Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi. He was a former resident of Union City. He was born September 26, 1937, in Hancock County, Illinois, son of the late Chester Dale and Thelma Eileen (Gerhardt) Knisley.

On October 12, 1955, Hank left the family farm and enlisted in the United States Army. That career lasted 20 years, 8 months and 20 days. He married Laura Margaret Williams December 29, 1959. She preceded him in death July 15, 1990. After service he received a associate’s degree in mechanical engineering qualifying him to go operate a lock and dam for the Rock Island District Corp of Engineer. He retired from that position in September 1999.

Hank worked to provide for his family. There wasn’t a job he couldn’t figure out how to perform. He enjoyed sporting activities. He was a pitcher on a softball fast pitch team for several years, but his biggest passion was bowling. Hank taught youth bowling, bowled in several leagues and custom drilled bowling balls for those athletes that took bowing to a different level. He accomplished so much in this passion. Hank owned his own pro shop and competed in several Senior PBA tournaments throughout his career. He was a faithful follower of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Knisley whom he married on July 6, 2014; his children, Hank (Karen) Knisley, Jr. of North Platte, Nebraska, Laura Knisley and Josie Knisley both of Jarrell, Texas, Richard Knisley of Anchorage, Alaska, Elvest Cook of Batesville, Mississippi and Sandy Ellison of Rives; eleven grandchildren, Tina Muegge, Katie (Eric) Heim, Brandon Knisley, Mitch (Lacey) Williams, Rachel (Justin) Desotel, Kristi (Adam) Boston, Lane Knisley, Jaxon Knisley, Zach Knisley, Justin (Hope) Cook and Devin (Brock) Davis; and nineteen great-grandchildren, Emerson, Karder, Knox, Kowen, Mason, Caleb, Jenna, Marshall, Braden, Harper, Ethan, Kadence, Rayden, Cammie, Jordan, Brianna, Kaylynn, Gavin and Grant.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert Dale Knisley, Richard Lee Knisley, William Lee Knisley and John Alvin Knisley; one grandson, Jared Collin Knisley; and his son-in-law, Tim Ellison.

Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025, in the chapel of Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home. Justin Cook and Brother Mike Davis will officiate. Burial will follow in Obion County Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held at Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of services on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home   731-885-1033