Edward “Gordon” Knighten, 96, of Crabapple Lane, died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Golden Living Center.  A native of Buncombe County he was son of the late John Edward  and Julia Henrietta Nelon Knighten.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Jim Knighten.

     Gordon was in the first graduating class of Grace School on Kimberly Avenue.  As a young boy he rode in his Grandfather’s produce wagon, delivering garden vegetables.  That blossomed into Knighten’s Tomatoes in the early 1940’s which he owned and operated for over 30 years.  An avid fisherman he enjoyed hunting wild game for food.  After his retirement he became known for making and refinishing furniture and other wood items that he took pleasure in giving to family and friends. He was a charter member of The Lions Club of Beaverdam where he held several offices and received numerous awards in fundraising efforts. 

     His formative years were spent in Asbury United Methodist Church where he became a lifetime member.

     He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Mildred C. Knighten; two sons, Bill and his wife, Judy of Asheville, John and his wife, Rosalie of Old Fort; two daughters, Barbara Owens and her husband Carl of Orange, VA, Joy Clift and her husband Corbitt of Kennesaw, GA; daughter-in-law Jeanie Knighten of Simpsonville, SC; sister, Gladys Silver of Tuscaloosa, AL; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

     A funeral service will be held 3:00PM, Saturday, July 12, 2008 in the Chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue with Rev. Lisa Hartzog-Hannah officiating.  Interment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.