Gerald Lewis Knott

Gerald Lewis "Jerry" Knott 

It is with a heavy heart and extreme gratitude for his service to our country that we share the passing of Gerald Lewis "Jerry" Knott. Jerry passed peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 77 on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 3:00 a.m. He left this life after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He was surrounded with love and, as he always wanted, spent his final days gazing down the Intracoastal Waterway.

Jerry was born in Washington, D.C. on October 4, 1948, to Harvey Graham “Nick” Knott and Elisabeth Wilcott Tallman, affectionately known as “Betty” Knott.

Jerry leaves behind a loving family, beginning his two daughters and their families. His eldest Blaine Marie Knott and her husband Richard Gee, her children Riki Marie, Nakoma, and Mary, his great-grandson Hunter, all of the Mascotte, Florida vicinity; and his second daughter, Megan Elisabeth Knott Mignano, her husband Christian, their son Miller Wells, and a new grandson, Hayes Graham, due to arrive in late August, of Ocean Ridge, Florida. Sadly, Jerry was predeceased by his third child, his son and namesake, Gerald Graham Knott, who passed away in a tragic accident in 2016.

Jerry also survived by his devoted older brother, Harvey Thomas “Tom” Knott and his wife Norma of Boynton Beach; his brother David Andrew Knott of Delray Beach; his sister Virginia Lee Knott of Dunnellon, Florida; his brother Kevin Robert Knott and his partner Ally of Yelm, Washington; and his stepsister, Melinda Gottes Hannon of Crystal Beach, Florida. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear llifelong friends. Additionally, Jerry is survived by Melissa “Missy Morrow” Knott, mother to his daughter Megan, and his wife again, who brought him comfort, compassionate caregiving, and unconditional love during his final three years.

One of Jerry’s defining attributes was the intense pride he derived from being a U.S. Veteran. He proudly answered the call to serve his country in 1969, enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a “SeaBee” during the Vietnam War. After surviving Hurricane Camille during bootcamp in Gulfport, Mississippi, he shipped out to Da Nang, Vietnam, and completed his service at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, until receiving his honorable discharge in 1971. Jerry earned the rank of UT2, Petty Officer, Second Class. In his honor, please watch his favorite movie, “John Wayne and the Fighting SeaBees”!

Though Jerry was born in Washington, D.C., he always called Delray and Boynton his home. He grew up water-skiing—especially barefoot style—on Lake Ida. Jerry loved racing motocross motorcycles, as well as owning, driving, and restoring MG convertibles. He was an avid runner, loved fishing and diving. Some of his happiest moments were spent behind the wheel of his boats, first the “Why Knott”, then the “Lions Paw”, and finally the “Graham Cracker”. Jerry’s greatest joy was creating memories with his children in the waters of south Florida and Abaco, Bahamas.

Continuing his fathers legacy, Jerry became a Master Plumber when he returned from the war. Then in 1979 he established Gulfstream Plumbing Inc. where he proudly delivered quality workmanship and service throughout Palm Beach County until his illness forced his retirement in 2018.

Jerry believed in working hard, playing hard and loving deeply. He never met a stranger, was always ready with a helping hand and was blessed with the remarkable ability to make people laugh. Known for being a “teller of tales” or sharing one of his never ending jokes, his quick wit, his infectious smile and fun personality made everybody’s day a bit brighter. And it was the love he had for all three of his children, Blaine, Megan and Graham that was his greatest gift in life. In the end, Jerry was a sweet soul of a man and was honored to be called friend by all who knew him; he will be missed forever.

A military burial will take place at 11:30am on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at his home in Boynton Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The remainder of his ashes will be returned to the sea at a later date in the waters he loved so much in the Abacos.