Eugene Knies of Celina, Texas passed away on October 31, 2016 at the age of 56. He was born on October 1, 1960 to Robert L. Knies, Sr. and Beverly L. Chase Knies in Gary, Indiana. Eugene grew up in Cave City, Arkansas, graduating from Cave City High School, and went on to attend the University of Arkansas.
Eugene moved to Dallas in 1984 with $500 to his name to begin his career in the automotive industry. Along with partners Mark Daniels and Robert Fry, he opened the doors to Bonham Chrysler in 1994, and successfully ran that dealership, among others, until 2014.
Eugene was involved in many organizations, including Future Farmers of America and Women Rock, a breast cancer awareness foundation he helped found in 2010. He was a risk taker and a joke maker who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Eugene never met a stranger and had a big heart. He was always willing to help someone in need and enjoyed donating to many charities, while never wanting the credit for his contributions. Eugene was also extremely proud of his Country and had great respect for the men and women who serve in the military. He would consistently go out of his way to thank a service man or woman in uniform when they crossed paths.
Eugene is survived by his son, Matthew Knies of Houston; daughters Mandy and Paxton Knies, both of Dallas; fiancée, Kellie Cook of McKinney; brothers Rob Knies, Kenneth Knies, Keith Knies; sister Kimberly Ware; the mother of his children, Pamela Hieb Knies; and a host of loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Shorts and Hawaiian shirts are preferred.
Memorials in honor of Eugene can be made to Women Rock, Inc. 225 E. Houston St., Sherman, Texas 75090 or www.womenrockinc.org, a breast cancer organization that meant a great deal to Eugene or VFW McKinney Post #2150, P. O. Box 572, McKinney, Texas, 75070.