William (Bill) Knoebel

William “Bill” Knoebel was born on January 2, 1960, at Andrews Air Force Base outside of Camp Springs Maryland. He passed away on May 30, 2016 of a brain tumor at the age of 56.

His family moved to Glennallen, Alaska when he was 2 ½, where he lived until young adulthood. As a young man, he moved to Columbia, SC in the late 80’s where he lived until his passing, though he always considered himself an Alaskan, and thought of Glennallen as home. His hometown church was Glennallen Community Chapel, with which he maintained a special bond even long after moving away. After moving to Columbia, Bill became part of the Vineyard Ministry, where he made life-long friends. Bill was an avid lover of history, and would frequently reference historical events in conversation. Not surprisingly, his favorite TV channels were the History channel and Discovery channel. He also loved to write, and had a dream to one day write a book. Later in life, Bill picked up a hobby of photography, at which he showed a great deal of natural talent. He was an animal lover, and often used animals and wildlife as his photography subjects. He also enjoyed restoring vintage family photographs.

At the tender age of four, Bill came into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, and a faith was birthed in him which carried him throughout his entire life. Years later, while lying for months in a hospital bed, his faith in God was unwavering, and his positive outlook, like a bright, shining light in a normally hopeless place, impacted all who came to know him there.  It was said that every worker on his floor was inspired by him and his complete, unshakeable trust in God. Family and friends take comfort in knowing that today, Bill Knoebel is rejoicing in the Presence of the Lord he loved so much. He is survived by his brother Robert Knoebel of Palmer, Alaska, a brother John Knoebel of Kamloops, British Columbia, and a sister Barbara Lamb, of Plymouth, Massachusetts. He was pre-deceased by his brother Eddie Knoebel of Valdez, Alaska, and by both parents, Edward Lott Knoebel, Jr., and Beatrice E. Tuten Knoebel, of Glennallen, Alaska. In addition to some very close friends in Columbia, Bill also leaves behind a favorite aunt, Thelma Gooding, to whom he was very close, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida. A memorial service will be held for Bill at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at Woodland Hills Community Church 2626 Ashland Road Columbia, SC 29210 Pastor Ralph Walden will be officiating.