Robert Leslie Knowles, 81, of Altamonte Springs, FL, passed away on 02/06/2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Les was born on 04/17/1941 to Robert L. Knowles Sr. and Majorie L. Smith in Portsmouth, Virginia.  After graduating from Churchland High School in 1959, he went on to study Science at Virginia Military Institute.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963, he joined the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant.  Les served honorably and was discharged in1966 as a First Lieutenant.  After some career decisions, Les accepted a job with United States Gypsum and moved his family to Orlando, Florida.

Orlando offered Les many opportunities to pursue his love for golf and tennis year round.  He had an extreme competitive nature and as his friends can probably remember, somewhat of a temper if he did not play well.  Many a tennis racket or golf club would suffer the consequences.  These sports allowed him to meet so many wonderful friends over the years which developed into lifelong friendships.

After his retirement, Les added pickleball to his list of hobbies along with caring for the love of his life, his dog.  Animals were his passion and although his friends knew very little about his grandchildren, they knew everything about his dog.

Les was predeceased by his parents Robert and Majorie Knowles.  He is survived by his two daughters Kathy Knowles of Gotha, FL and Debbie Johnson of Sanford, FL; granddaughters: Tiffany Cross, Jessica Hoxie, Brittany Hoxie, Trinity Paul and Taylor Paul: brother Thomas Knowles of Portsmouth, VA: beloved dog Princess Layla.

There will be a celebration of his life on February 26th at the ClearOne Sports Centre, 4141 John Young Parkway, Orlando, Florida.  This celebration will start at noon and will include all of Les's favorites.  Attire is athletic casual.  We will have pickleball courts available for our use to include all paddles and balls.  Food, drinks and stories will be shared by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society, an organization that Les felt very strongly about. Protect Animals | Give a Gift - The Humane Society of the United States