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Stephen Eugene Knott

09/14/1954 - 08/04/2022

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Obituary For Stephen Eugene Knott

On Thursday August 4, 2022, Stephen Eugene Knott, loving father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family at age 67.

Steve was born on September 14, 1954 in Portsmouth, Va. to Howard and Barbara Knott and enjoyed his childhood alongside his two sisters Brenda and Rhonda. He married Laurie Gurlacz Knott in 1981 and raised their daughter and son, Kristin and Kyle for 40 years together.

Steve was a lifelong learner, educator, athlete and coach. He received his his Master’s degree in Urban Education from Norfolk State University and earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion University. In 2017, Steve joined the faculty at Brevard College and most recently served as the Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education. He was instrumental in the establishment of the BC’s Health and Human Performance graduate program and also served as the Brevard College Faculty Athletics Representative, advocating for student athletes and working as a liaison between athletics and academics.

Steve will be remembered for his passion and ability to inspire, and to his children and grandchildren as a best friend and hero. His daughter, Kristin, followed in his footsteps pursuing a career in education, with Kyle pursuing athletics followed by a career in coaching and sports administration.

Although he was known to his students as Dr. Knott, his favorite designations were Dad and PeePaw. Steve’s favorite activities included summer adventures with his granddaughter, exploring waterfalls, playing in the creek and hunting for rocks. He anxiously awaited phone calls from her and Kristin after swim meets and was often heard telling anyone who listened about her most recent accomplishments. He also enjoyed connecting with his son and best friend Kyle, over cycling, weightlifting and any other sport they could compete against each other in.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Howard and Barbara Knott. He is survived by his two children and their spouses, his 6 grandchildren, his sisters, their spouses, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be forthcoming in both Virginia Beach and Brevard, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to support, make a donation in Steve’s honor to Brevard College in Brevard, NC.

A celebration of life will be held at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1552 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11AM.

Services

27 Aug

Church

11:00 AM

New Covenant Presbyterian Church 1552 Kempsville Road Virginia Beach, Vi 23464 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 08/27/2022

    I had the good fortune, like so many others who shared a personal connection with Steve. Our paths crossed during my time as an HPE major at Old Dominion University. I will always remember Steve for his unwavering devotion to people and helping see others achieve their own personal success. He was a mentor to MANY and his dry humor will be missed! His legacy in Education will live through those he taught and the lessons provided both in life and in his classroom! I will always cherish and look back fondly on my years with Steve. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER and Steve had a second PhD in that! THANK YOU! - Chris Sanders

  • 08/19/2022

    I had the honor of competing in weightlifting with Steve, traveling to various events and no matter what the schedule was or what else was going on. Steve wa stager to Leland a hand. I'd it was moving weights, counting reps or being a cheerleader/motivator. Steve was the kindest and most caring and truly wanted to best for everyone around him.

  • 08/15/2022

    Dr. Knott, thank you for being such a HUGE impact in my life. You allowed my love for HPE and life in general to grow. You brought so many of us together. You believed in me. You will be missed soo soo deeply. Your life will always be honored throughout my life and career as a PE teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. HPE ODU GOAT! 💙🦁

  • 08/15/2022

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing. In 1996, he began his career as an administrator at Pembroke Meadows Elem. School, in VA Beach, where he served as my assistant principal for four years. Not only, did he ably perform his responsibilities , but he endeared himself to our staff and patrons. He and I were friends-in-fitness. There was a time that we were both nursing plantar fasciitis and would slip off to our respective offices to roll our feet on frozen water bottles! He had an incredible relationship with his children who he would drop off at swimming practice, at the neighborhood pool, on his way to work, and bring them to Pembroke Meadows before taking them home! For his family and ALL who knew him, I am so very sorry, for your tremendous loss. Nancy C. (Rosenblatt) Chandler

  • 08/15/2022

    Our sincere condolences to Steve's family. Steve and I were at ODU together in PE department. We worked in the VBCPS schools. Steve was a great teacher, coach, and well respected person. I am sorry to hear his passing. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family. We will be dearly missed.

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