Byron Witter “Ron” Knapp

Mr. Byron Witter “Ron” Knapp, 71, died Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his home in Oxford, MS. Visitation will be held Monday, June 17, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home, with a Rosary to follow in the adjoining chapel. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oxford with Father Mark Shoffner officiating. Inurnment will follow the service in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Columbarium.

Ron was born on March 4, 1953, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Dorotha James and Paul W. Knapp. He was a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, TX, remaining close by afterward to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Houston. Beginning his career in metal services, Ron worked at Moncrief-Lenoir Manufacturing Company, before moving to MBCI in Houston, where he remained and served as Vice President for 17 years. Throughout these years, he met and married his wife of 47 years, Christy, and together they raised their three children. Their summers were filled with days spent on the boat, where Ron excelled at nearly every water sport he tried and soaked in every moment spent with his family and friends.

In 1996, Ron and Christy moved with their children to Mississippi. Taking with him his knowledge and years of experience in the metal building industry, Ron became co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of ACI Building Systems in Batesville. They settled in Oxford, becoming members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where Ron joined in the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus, developing many cherished friendships with his fellow parishioners.

Ron’s battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy lasted over 10 years. The courage and grace with which he managed this neurodegenerative disease was both inspirational and a testimony to his strength and resilience. He was a friend and mentor to many, and taught those closest to him the importance of staying faithful and drawing strength during challenging times. He will be sincerely missed by his friends and family and always remembered for his sharp wit and keen sense of humor.

Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, who was devoted to the needs and happiness of his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Breth.

Ron is survived by his wife, Christy Knapp of Oxford, MS; daughters, Elise Marie Breth and her husband, Jonathan, of Maitland, FL and Jennifer Knapp Hayes and her husband, Jeremy, of Elmhurst, IL; son, Christopher B. Knapp and his wife, Heather, of Oxford, MS; sister, Sue Cates of Pasadena, TX; brother, Pete Knapp and his wife, Beth, of Houston, TX; and grandchildren, Ethan, Adele, Griffin, Colin, Grayson, and Christopher.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 403 University Avenue, Oxford, Mississippi 38655. The family would like to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice for their gentle support and care over the years.