Norman J. Knights

Norman J. Knights passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 in Southport, N.C.

Mr. Knights was born to British parents in Winnipeg, Canada, on New Year's Eve 1922.

His family moved to Chicago where he was raised with his brother Allan and became a stand-out cricket player.

Knights attended DePauw University and was active as student body president and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity president, majoring in economics, and lettering in tennis and basketball.

During World War II, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, first in his flight class.

He graduated from DePauw in 1946 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and married college sweetheart and love of his life, Merilyn Smythe.

After a Harvard MBA, work on both coasts, and the birth of four children, Knights returned to DePauw in 1956 as director of public relations and development.

In 1973, he left DePauw as executive vice president and joined Greencastle Federal Savings and Loan as president. Knights served on DePauw's Board of Trustees and boards of directors for Greencastle Federal Savings and Loan, First Citizens Bank, Indiana Savings and Loan League and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indiana.

He was chairman of Putnam County Council, the American College Public Relations Association of Indiana, the Putnam County Planning Commission, the Economic Development Commission, and United Way. Retiring in 1982, he and Merilyn relocated to DeLand, Fla. After her passing in 1993, he lived in Dandridge, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., and finally Southport, N.C.

He was known for his honesty, principled living, quick wit and gentlemanly charm. Happiness was chocolate, animals and tennis. He loved to sing and was self-taught on guitar and piano.

Surviving family are daughter Laurie and son-in-law Drew in Southport, N.C.; son NJ ("Nibs") and daughter-in-law Nancy in St. Charles, Ill.; daughter Holly and son-in-law Sam in Yarmouth, Maine; daughter Heidi and son-in-law Randy in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; sister-in-law Helen Knights; nieces Kimmie, Susan, Nancy, nephew Michael and their families.

He was beloved Goppy to 10 grandchildren: Darren, Deanna (deceased), Becca, Holly, Jason, Kelsey, Ben, Chelsea, Smythe and Rhys; and great-grandson James.

In keeping with his wishes, a small family service will be held.