of Leslie, AR
November 24, 1943 - August 16, 2015
Thomas Rex Knapp, age 71, of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this life on Sunday, August 16, 2015 in Hospice Home Care, surrounded by many of his loved ones who will cherish his memory and continue his legacy. He will be missed by many of the people whose lives he touched. Words fail to describe the genuine good in some people and the lasting impression that they leave on others.
Tom was a man who touched many lives in many different ways. He was an educator, a coach, a horseman, and an avid outdoorsman, but above all else he was a man who loved God, his family, and his people.
Born on November 24, 1943 to the late Thomas Floyd Knapp and Juanita Bryan Knapp, Tom grew up fishing the local creeks, riding a variety of horses, and playing basketball with a cast of buddies. He attended the University of Arkansas, graduating with a BSE in 1965. He married his soul mate, Sandra Smith, in 1968 and they began their wonderful journey, one that would produce two children, Brandi Brook Singletary in 1970, and Jesse Thomas Knapp in 1978.
Over the course of his lifetime, Tom was employed in many capacities in the educational system. He was first a teacher and a coach. After earning his master's degree, he worked as an administrator, a career educational coordinator at an educational cooperative, and a career center and vocational director. Tom always worked with the betterment of his students as his top priority.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sandra Smith Knapp; daughter, Brook Singletary (Eric); son Jess Knapp (Tish); two granddaughters, Sunni Knapp and Chloe Singletary; a grandson, Rexx Knapp; sister, Sally Boyd (Don); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Floyd Knapp and Juanita Bryan; sister, Gail Passmore; and a granddaughter, Cecily.
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 19, at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively at Leslie First Baptist Church. Graveside services will immediately follow at Leslie Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Boyd, Jerry Passmore, Wesley Smith, Wayne Smith, Sam Smith, Gordon Smith, and David Smith. Honorary pallbearers include Don Flynn, Hank Boyd, Wade Smith, Steven Smith, Jason Smith, Caleb Smith, Luke Smith, and Weston Smith. Memorials may be sent to Leslie First Baptist Church or the Leslie Cemetery Fund through Simmons Bank.
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52 Condolence(s)
J.C. & Suzie Stephenson
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Sandy, our sympathies, love and prayers are with you (and family).
Phyllis Branscum
Sunday, August 30, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Coach Knapp, he was a bright light to everyone who knew him.
"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where Coach Knapp is shinning down to let you know he is happy"
Robert Begley
Thursday, August 27, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Tommy's passing.
I still remember fishing (1959 Class Grad) with him in Cove Creek, and swimming just below the Begley Creek Bridge close to his home.
I remember Tommy as quiet, unassuming, genuinely nice person.
Our thoughts and prayers go with his family.
Jason (Junior) Lee
Saturday, August 22, 2015
We called him Rex when we were kids. A gang of us kids were together a lot. In the summer time in the creek just below his house. Most of us were older but we tolerated him because we wanted to be friends with Gail. We moved away from Leslie when I was a teenager but I will never forget the people there. I am so glad to learn that Rex turned out to be a good man. To his family: May God be with you in a close and personal way.
Ewanda (Shipman) Young
Thursday, August 20, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sally and Don Boyd
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Yesterday Tommy was laid to rest and I guess this is one of the few ways left to publicly express my loss and broken heart. He was such a good, good man.
Eddie & Kathy Morrison
Thursday, August 20, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about Tom passing away.We send you all our deepest sympathy,and prayers.
Brother Norm Moyer
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Thomas was a great friend to sit with in the Leslie Cafe and have wonderful conversation. I enjoyed serving Leslie in ministry with him in both our unique ways. God bless Sandy and her family
Bro. Norm
Polly Bakker
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Ben and I are so sorry to hear about Tom's
passing. He was such a friend to me at the
Co-op and helped me so much. t
Janie Fullilove
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
SANDRA; I am sorry to hear of Tom's death. I will remember you and your family in my prayers. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Roger Massey
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. May God bless and keep the Sandy, Brooke, Jess and the rest of the family. Tom was a fine man who always did his very best to do what was right. He will be missed.
Robin Mays
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy & Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Coach made a positive difference in many lives through his years of teaching and coaching. I will always remember him and Jess walking together down the high school hallway after school headed to the gym. What a supportive father!
Tracie Weeks Martin
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy, Brook, Jess, and Family....You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Coach Knapp was "one of the good guys"! He was the best exiample of a good husband, father, educator, and Coach. I never realized growing up how much he impacted my life until I had children of my own. The last time I saw him was at Mom's funeral and he talked with me for awhile and it meant so much to me! Love to you all!!
Bev Treat
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Ms. Sandy and family, I am so sorry for your lost. May God continue to give you the strength needed to get through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love in Christ,
Bev T.
Diane and Henry Treece
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
May Christ's peace cover you and your family during your loss.Because of our living away from Leslie, I never did get to know Tom as well as I would nave liked to know him. I know that he was such a fine Christian man and set an example for many people..
Shawna Bramlett-Waller
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Coach Knapp was an amazing man... He always wore a smile!!! A smile that will greatly be missed by so so many both on the court and off... God knows you were definitely one of the VERY best!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy, Brook and Jess!!!
Love you all!
Shawna Bramlett-Waller
John & Linda Watts
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Cates
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength and peace.
Eddie & Jo Dean
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to you and the kids. Never will forget him . Hugs and prayers
Stephanie Marler
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Dear Sandy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Marler
Nancy Bennett
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Tom was a great man and loved my all who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless each of you,
Nancy
Wilber and Linda Passmore
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Mary Scheulen
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you as you gather to say goodbye. I have fond memories of high school days with Tom and seeing him at Leslie Homecoming! God bless you! Love, Mary
Susan Wright
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. My love and sympathy to you and your family.
Rob Henderson
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Coach, I have memories and always will of how caring of a teacher you were. You made a subject i may have not been interested in lively with your stories and your great sense of humor. Was patient even with us guys who may not have been the best at sports. Always looked up to you and was proud to call you a friend and a great man of the community. Prayers for your family and you are one that truly will be missed.
Rita (Horton) Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
I will always treasure my memories of Coach. He was always so kind to me. My deepest sympathy to Sandy and his family.
Jessica (Griffin) Tillotson
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jim Hinkle
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Our college days together were great fun, and it was easy to see at an early age that he was going to be a success and a great leader. Jim Hinkle
Kim massey
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
So sorry about Tom I know he will be missed by all. Sandy and family I wish there were words to console you in your loss but with God he will comfort you and be with you so love to all and God bless you.
Robin Crow
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Leslie has lost one of it's finest!
Robin Crow
Paige & Brooklyn
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
God only takes the best. We love you!
Sam Passmore
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
So sorry to hear of coach Knapp's passing.
My first memory of of basketball was Tom coaching us (probably 4th graders) on dribbling in the old gym in Leslie. I always admired his demeanor, he will forever be a part of my childhood memories . . prayers & deepest condolences to the Knapp house.
Doug henderson
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
I remember the good ole days you were Roy Rogers and I was one of the bad guys with our cap pistols. Miss you Doug Henderson
Rick and Janice Horton
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy and Family, we are so sad for your loss. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
marilynTumbleson
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy im so sorry to hear of your an the kids loss im praying for your family he was such a good man.
Barbara Bennett-Ragland
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy, Brooke, Jess and family,
I am heart broken for you. Coach Knapp was a very special man. He not only taught us about basketball but about life in general he was someone we all looked up to and admired, even years after we finished high school. He will be greatly missed, but he told us he wasn't afraid because he knew where he was going. He will forever be in our hearts. Praying for comfort For each of you.
Love you,
Barb
Pam and Sanky Singletary
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
With all our love and prayers, we are remembering a wonderful friend. Thinking of each one of you, especially Sandy, Brook and Eric, Jess and Tish, Sunni and Chloe, and Rexx.
Amanda Treat
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Coach Knapp was one of the best. I learned some valuable life lessons from him that I remember to this day. May god give you all strength and comfort during this time.
Charlie & Laura Grimes
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about
the loss of Tom.
Our Prayers are with you all.
May the Lord comfort you all in
your loss.
God Bless You all.
Dale and Dian King
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl Hensley
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
I just want to say that I am truly sorry for our community's loss of this wonderful man. He was just so kind and sweet. I wish the world was filled with men like Tom Knapp and thank God that I had the pleasure to know him. He will never be forgotten. Sending my prayers and condolence to Sandy and all the family.
Richard Williams
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Yvonne "Russell" Burns
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy, there are no words that take away the pain that you feel over the loss of Coach. In the midst of this pain fill you mind and your heart with the happy memories of your life together. Grieving is a natural way that the mind deals with the loss of a loved one so take one day at a time. Thank God daily for all the wonderful years that you had with this very special man – share these memories – lean on God and family when you feel weak – try to find a memory that brings about a smile or laughter – time will ease the pain! He was a good person and made a big impression on me as a mentor! May God’s love and promises hold you close!
Daphna Keys
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sandy and Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Knapp. What a laugh we had about the snickers bar. and the time he run off and left me at the hotel and everyone else had gone to the game and I came up missing. When he came back to get me, I seen a ghost at the door. We went back to the game and he never let me out of his sight. Fun times. Our thoughts and prayers are you with during this time.
Love
Daphna and Jimmy
emily henley
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to the family. Coach was one of the people throughout my life that made an impression that will last forever. He was a very great man. I know he will be greatly missed.
Helen Younger Martin
Monday, August 17, 2015
So very sorry
Dessa Ford
Monday, August 17, 2015
Mrs. Knapp, I'm so sorry to hear of coach Knapps passing. We are prayers for God's peace and comfort. I will always remember him and Coach Larry Cotton. It's been many many years but I will never forget.
Deepest sympathy
Dessa Ford
Toni Graham-Cowles
Monday, August 17, 2015
So sorry for your lose. mt thought and prayers r with all of u at this time.
Kenneth and Janet Rainbolt
Monday, August 17, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of Thomas's passing. He was a nice man and will be missed by all who knew him. Look to God for comfort at this sad time.
Darryl Treat
Monday, August 17, 2015
Our condolences to Sandy and all the family. May God comfort you all! Darryl & Dana Treat
Lucinda Rolen
Monday, August 17, 2015
Dear Sandy, My prayers are with you. Sent with a heart full of love for you.
Mary Archer
Monday, August 17, 2015
Sandy and family ... was so saddened to hear of the loss of Tom. May God send down his comfort to all of you . It has been a sad time for your family this year . Prayers.