Franklyn L. Knott, 71, of Middleburg, FL, passed away February 5, 2017. He was born on April 22, 1945 in Akron, OH to the late Franklin Leon and Ellen Louise (Black) Knott.  Mr. Knott has been a resident of the Clay County area for 40 years and was of the Protestant faith.  He proudly served his country for 24 years before retiring as a Master Chief in the United States Navy.  Mr. Knott went on to work another 20 years as a supervisor for Penney Retirement Community and many years as a volunteer fire chief for Middleburg Station 14.  Mr. Knott loved to read his bible, do woodworking, fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  Family was his everything and the love of his life was his Joy! Mr. Knott is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joy J. Knott; sons, Franklyn Guy Knott (Deidre) and Steven Willis Knott (Tracy); daughters, Kelly Ann Gibson (Johnnie “Skeeter”) and Lisa Marie Chapala; sisters, Debbie Riles (Johnny), Cheryl Knott and Sue Kreitzburg (Paul); 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.