William Ross Knowles

W. Ross Knowles, 75, of Oriental died Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

After graduating from NCSU in 1959, Ross spent many years providing trust management and retirement plan administration for several banks and financial institutions. In 1988, Ross and his wife, Linda, co-founded QRPS, Inc. They managed QRPS, Inc. together until their retirement in 2001. During retirement Ross and Linda moved to Oriental, NC to enjoy the relaxing waters and the good friendships they had developed there over the years. Ross loved being on the water and spent many years sailing and boating in and around Oriental. He served for a number of years on the Hope Clinic Board of Directors in Pamlico County.

A reception celebrating Ross’s life will be held for family and friends Sunday, August 18th from 3 to 6 p.m. at M & M’s Restaurant in Oriental, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Knowles of New Bern; his son, Forrest Knowles and wife, Michelle, of Wake Forest; brother, James L. Knowles and wife, Barbara, of Charlotte; sisters, Marsha Wright and husband, John, of New Jersey and Judy Wright and husband, Bruce, of Plymouth; and two grandchildren, Caroline Knowles and Savannah Knowles.

In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Eastern NC Chapter of The Alzheimer’s Association, 3737 Glenwood Ave. Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612 or United Hospice, 810 Kennedy Ave., New Bern, NC 28560.