Obit of Knox, Neal - Grady County, Oklahoma Transcribed by: Gene Phillips 31 Jul 2005 Return to Grady County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/grady/grady.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::NOT LISTED Neal Knox While this is not News from PRO, it is a sad time for Peoples Rights Organization members who got to know Neal Knox over the years. Below is his obituary, a final note to friends he wrote on January 5, and a post- script from his wife, penned after his death. (January 26, 2005 update -- We also have included a story from Gun Week newspaper, where Neal was founding editor, as well as thoughts on Neal's devotion to the cause from current Gun Week Editor Joe Tartaro. Mr. Tartaro quotes former PRO Chairman Jim Ramm in his look back at Neal Knox's life and contributions.) Neal was a confidant to many leaders of this organization, and always kept the fire turned up under the NRA to remind them not to compromise. On behalf of all Peoples Rights Organization members, trustees and officers, we extend our very sincere sympathies to Neal's family. Rest in Peace, Neal. And thank you for all your help! You will be missed! Neal Knox, former vice president of the National Rifle Association and long-time leader of the gun rights movement, died at his home on January 17, 2005 following a year-long battle with colon cancer. He was sixty- nine. He is survived by his wife, Jay Janen Knox (Shirley) and his four children; Christopher, Shan, Jeffrey, Stacey, and seven grandchildren. Born Clifford Neal Knox on June 20, 1936 in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, Neal spent most of his early life in Texas, graduating from Vernon, Texas High School and attending Abilene Christian College. His early working years included eight years in the Texas National Guard, stints in insurance and the oil business, and assignments as a reporter for the Vernon Daily Record and, later, the Wichita Falls Times and Record News. At that same time, he was demonstrating his life-long interest in firearms as a freelance writer for several gun magazines. Neal’s interest in guns eventually led to his becoming the founding editor of Gun Week newspaper, followed by the editorship of Handloader magazine and the creation of Rifle magazine. From 1978 to 1982, he served as Executive Director of the Institute for Legislative Action, the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association. Since 1984, as chairman of the Firearms Coalition, Neal has dedicated himself to writing, speaking and lobbying for the development and support of grassroots gun rights organizations. During his life, Neal competed in, and often won, competitions in virtually every shooting discipline, including winning a national title in bench rest. In addition to his shooting interests, he was an accomplished pilot, holding instrument and multi-engine ratings. A memorial service has been scheduled for 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 20, at the Manassas Church of Christ, 8110 Signal Hill Road in Manassas, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Firearms Coalition Neal Knox Memorial Fund, Box 3313, Manassas, VA 20108. Tax- deductible donations may be made to Academics for the Second Amendment Neal Knox Memorial Fund. Contributions may also be made in his name to the Rainbow Children’s Home in Gainesville, Virginia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Grady County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/grady/grady.html