Gerald 'Jerry' Knott
Gerald Hubert Knott, 85, of Raleigh, passed away at his home on May 6, 2026.
Jerry, as he was known to friends and family, was born on March 19, 1941, at Mary Elizabeth Hospital, on the corner of Wake Forest Road and Glasscock Street, to Virginia Upchurch Knott and Sidney Knott Jr.
He attended Underwood Elementary School, Josephus Daniels Junior High School, and Needham B. Broughton High School. After graduating from the North Carolina State University College of Design with a degree in architecture in 1964, he briefly entered private practice before joining the U.S. Navy in 1965. Following graduation from Officer Candidate School, he received his first posting at the naval base in Key West before serving in Da Nang as a civil engineer during the Vietnam War.
Returning to civilian life in 1968, Jerry bought a home in Raleigh (the choice at the time was between buying a house or a Porsche 911). He eventually joined the North Carolina Department of School Planning, where he worked to help ensure the safety of school facilities throughout North Carolina and worked his way up to Section Chief.
Jerry was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a retired Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, a recipient of the 2013 Frank B. Turner Award, and a sixth-generation resident of Raleigh.
He was especially well known for his lifelong love of toy trains, having received his first train set at four years old and never losing his enthusiasm for the hobby. He regularly attended train shows throughout the East Coast and celebrated his 50-year membership in the Train Collectors Association in 2023.
His love of trains led to many strong and lasting friendships, including with Wayne Todd of Wendell (1942–1995), founder of Todd's Train Depot, where Jerry worked part-time as a repairman, unofficial advisor, and fountain of knowledge for anyone seeking information or guidance about toy trains. After the closing of the shop Jerry remained an active collector and followed the toy train industry for the rest of his life.
Jerry’s other passions included classical music, painting, and modern furniture, but nothing brought him greater joy than encouraging his children to discover and pursue their own passions.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Robanna Sumrell Knott. He is survived his sons, George Knott of Raleigh and Traner Knott of Minneapolis; and his grandchildren, James and Miles and his dear neighbor Carol Wood.
No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WCPE.