Mr. Bruce Avery Knighton, age 55, of Lavonia, died Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Hart County Hospital.
Born July 8, 1954, he was the son of Rebecca (Dye) Knighton and the late Clarence H. Knighton. He was Group Vice President of Pinnacle Bank and managed offices in Royston, Lavonia, Franklin Springs, and Commerce. Mr. Knighton coached basketball, football, and golf in Franklin, Oconee, and Hart County Schools for many years. He was a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church, where he served as deacon as well as in many other capacities. He was a past president of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving on the Downtown Development board of directors. Mr. Knighton loved people and had a special connection to children. He loved his family and he loved the outdoors.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife: Susan (Brock) Knighton; daughter: Lacey P. Knighton of Lavonia; son: Vic A. Knighton of Lavonia; and sister: Becky Sumrall of Nashville, TN.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and Rev. Richard Bielski officiating. Burial will follow in the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to Lavonia First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 47, Lavonia, GA 30553.