Bill P. Knox

 

Bill P, Knox
Bill P. Knox

Bill P. Knox, a long-time newspaper editor for the Amarillo Globe-News, went home to his Lord on March 10, 2021, in Amarillo, Texas, where he had lived most of his life.

He was born December 28, 1938, in Hereford, Tx., to W.H. (Bill) and Lorene Atchley Knox, the youngest of three children. His father, a barber, was a fixture on Main Street of Hereford for many years, known as “Little Bill the Barber” because of his small physical stature. His mother was one of 12 children of Benjamin Ambrose and Tennessee Christine Atchley, a prominent farm family in the Summerfield community. He married his loving wife of 60 years, Joan Dil­lard, youngest daughter of James T. and Lois Burns Dillard, on March 25, 1961. In addition to his parents, Mr. Knox was predeceased by his brother Reuben Knox and sister, Alma Faye Durham. Survivors include his wife, Joan ‘Joann,’ his son Paul Wayne Knox, daughter-in-law Christine Dawson Knox, and grandkids, Allyson and Michael Knox, of Trevor, Wisconsin. Also, he is survived by a daughter, Melinda Gayle Knox von Rosenberg, son-in-law David von Rosenberg, and grandson, Christopher, of Austin, Texas, and granddaughter, Midshipman Stephanie E.von Rosenberg, of Annapolis, Maryland, as well and many dear nephews and nieces all over Texas and even some out of state.

History and Life Details

Beginning his newspaper career while still a student at Hereford, he worked and trained at the Hereford Brand. He joined the Amarillo Globe-News in 1960 and worked in various editing and layout capacities, serving as assistant news editor of the afternoon Globe-Times, Sunday editor of the News-Globe, and eventually as news editor of all editions, the position he held when he retired in 2001.

He punctuated his newspaper work with occasional freelance magazine articles about the history of the Panhandle area, and together with the late George Turner and Harry Gilstrap Jr. founded, published, and wrote articles for a small, ad-free publication called “Southwest Heritage.”

During his tenure at the Globe-News, Mr. Knox was privileged to work with many noted journalists. He was once awarded first place in headline writing and first place in page one layout by the Texas Associated Press International in the years when the Globe-News competed in the category with the state’s largest newspapers.

In 1988, Mr. Knox researched, wrote, and published a history and compila­tion of descendants of his branch of the Knox family and upon his retirement, he began work on another edition. He discovered and detailed family links to important leaders of the religious movement known as the Restoration.

During his time as a dedicated father, Bill was involved with his children and directed them to be involved in music and in sports, as well as in aca­demics. Both children learned to play band instruments, following in his footsteps from his own youth. He strived to allow them to experience sports, as well. He coached his daughter’s track team and his son’s baseball team for several years. Thanks to his encouragement, both children succeeded in achieving college degrees, of which he was very proud.

During his retired years, along with his wife, Bill enjoyed volunteering as a greeter for the show Texas, at the live amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon. He loved to provide historical information about the Panhandle to visitors from around the world, and he showed pride for his state and community. To better play the part, he began to wear cowboy boots and attire for the first time in his life. He also did various other endeavors to better his community like working as a school crossing guard and compiling a weekly section of the newspaper detailing church services for the coming Sunday.

Bill loved taking photos of his family and their activities. He took many photos of his grandchildren engaged in their own activities, and he created special photo collections of his wife and her activities after retirement, as well. To these, he often gave titles and captions, and then he printed them and made noteworthy keepsakes for others.

The thing that remained important to Bill throughout his years was his God and his church. On his behalf, his family would like to say thank you to his lifelong friends and dear church brothers and sisters who have been helping so much, especially in the last, difficult months. So much advice and support have been provided, and these fellow Christians glorified God by their faithfulness in Bill’s time of need.

A memorial service will take place at Southwest Church of Christ in Am­arillo on Monday, March 15, 2021, at 2:00 in the afternoon.

3 Replies to “Bill P. Knox”

  1. I enjoyed working with Bill for many years. He represented old-fashioned, honest journalism. He will be missed.

  2. I am sorry to hear this news. Bill was a consummate pro. My prayers are with his family in this sad time.

  3. Joan; so sorry to hear about Bill! Sure enjoyed time I spent with him. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. We love you Sister. In Him, Dick & Jane

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