Wyckliffe Austin Knox, Jr.

Wyckliffe Austin Knox, Jr.

November 1, 1940 ~ August 9, 2025 (Age 84)

Wyckliffe “Wyck” Austin Knox, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at home on August 9, 2025. A lifelong son of Georgia, Wyck’s unquestionable character, unwavering integrity, his faith, and belief in giving back guided his every decision. He was always willing to lend thoughtful advice and took joy in helping others.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, to Wyckliffe Austin Knox and Byrnece Purcell Knox, Wyck grew up in Thomson, Georgia. Proudly educated in Thomson public schools, he graduated from Thomson High School in 1958, where he was a member of the Beta Club and Debate Team, Editor of the Yearbook, earned Eagle Scout and played Varsity Football (Honorable Mention, All State).

Wyck received two degrees from the University of Georgia; BBA in Finance in 1962 and a Law Degree in 1964. While at UGA, Wyck was a member of Biftad, the Debate team, Kappa Alpha Order, Interfraternity Council (President), Gridiron Secret Society (President), Order of Greek Horsemen, Phi Delta Phi (President), Sphinx Society and was the Manager of Young Georgians for Sanders, the successful campaign to elect Carl Sanders Governor of Georgia.

Following graduation in 1964, Wyck moved to Augusta, Georgia where he began the practice of law with Hull, Towill & Norman. In 1976, he and David Zacks founded Knox & Zacks in Augusta, which later opened operations in Atlanta. Also in 1976, Wyck became chairman of the board and CEO of Knox Rivers Construction Company, a family road construction business headquartered in Thomson, Georgia. He remained chairman and CEO of Knox Rivers for over 19 years until the business was sold in 1995.

In 1994, Knox & Zacks, which then had 18 lawyers, merged with Kilpatrick & Cody, an Atlanta-based law firm. As a result of the merger the firm had more than 200 lawyers and opened an office in Augusta, in addition to its existing offices in Atlanta, Washington, London and Brussels. The firm also began the practice of health care law, which had been a primary specialty of Knox & Zacks. In 1997, Kilpatrick & Cody merged with Petree Stockton, a North Carolina-based firm, changing its name to Kilpatrick Stockton and opening offices in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh. Wyck was elected to the executive committee in 1997, and served as chairman of the executive committee of the firm from 1998 – 2001.

Those who knew Wyck remember his unending curiosity, love of travel and new cultures, keen eye for investments, enthusiasm for upland bird hunting, appreciation of a good book, support for Scouting, and ever-present generosity and empathy. Above all, he cherished Georgia — its people, places, trees and institutions.

Georgia afforded Wyck countless opportunities and experiences that helped shape the man he became. In return, he gave generously of his time and talents, dedicating himself to numerous causes that mattered deeply to him.

In 1992, Governor Zell Miller appointed Wyck to serve as a founding director of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, with a charge to establish and operate it in a businesslike manner. Subsequently, Knox became chairman and served in that capacity for almost eight years.

From 1992–1996, Knox served as a member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority by appointment of Governor Miller. The purpose of MAOGA was to provide financial oversight and direction to the Atlanta Games and to build the Olympic Stadium which was later presented to the City of Atlanta debt free.

Other significant statewide engagements include board service to the Georgia Railroad Bank, later First Union Bank, a trustee of Young Harris College, membership of the Leadership Georgia Class of 1974, and board membership of Georgia headquartered public companies AGL Resources (NYSE) and AHL Services, Inc. (NASDAQ).

Wyck became a patient of MD Anderson in 2012 and not long after he began to share his gifts of leadership with that institution as well. He served as a member of the Board of Visitors until his death.

Wyck was an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and World Presidents Organization (WPO) which provided opportunities to travel the globe and develop deep and meaningful friendships. His YPO and WPO experience included a wonderful relationship with his forums which he cherished very much.

Wyck remained deeply devoted to his alma mater. He served as a vice president of the Alumni Society; director of the UGA Athletic Association; founding trustee of the Richard B. Russell Foundation, and trustee of the University of Georgia Foundation, where he chaired the finance committee and served as treasurer for eight years. He received the Terry College of Business Award of Merit and the Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Service Scroll Award, the school’s highest honor, and he endowed scholarships at both the Terry College of Business and the School of Law.

Wyck’s commitment to his local community reached far and wide. He served as a trustee of University Hospital; president of the Augusta Bar Association; president of the Rotary Club of Augusta (Paul Harris Fellow); president of the Augusta Country Club; president of the Georgia-Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America (Silver Beaver Award recipient); president of the University Health Care Foundation; and trustee of the Medical College of Georgia Foundation. In 2012, the Augusta Bar Association honored him with the Robert L. Allgood Service Award for exemplary, long-term service to the bar and community. In 2013, Junior Achievement inducted him into the CSRA Business Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that inspires younger generations. Wyck was a member of the Augusta Assembly, The Heritage Club, Burge and the Piedmont Driving Club.

As a lifelong Methodist, Wyck served as a trustee of both Aldersgate United Methodist Church and St. John’s United Methodist church.

A 61 year resident of Augusta, GA, he is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Shell Hardman Knox, and four children and their spouses, Wyckliffe Austin Knox III and Katherine Magnuson Knox of Charlottesville, VA, Shell Knox Berry and Lawrence Reab Berry Jr. of Augusta, GA, John Hardman Knox and Kelly Ann Knox of Atlanta, GA and Davis Purcell Knox and Genevieve Neely Knox of Athens, GA. He is further survived by twelve grandchildren, Lawrence Reab Berry III, William McCurdy Berry, Anne Wyckliffe Berry, Jane Wingo Knox, Thomas Neely Knox, Henry Shell Knox, Genevieve Austin Knox, George Staton Knox, Georgia Mae Knox, Wyckliffe Austin Knox, Bickley McLean Knox and Margaret Coate Ragsdale; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wyck is preceded in death by his sister, Harriet “Hatsy” Knox Fleming.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the special caregivers who assisted with Wyck’s care, particularly Cynthia Young, Teresa Moffett, LaShay Holloway, Mary O’Bryant, Pat Lawson, and Southeast Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on August 19, 2025, at 2pm, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901. The Knox family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Wyckliffe Austin Knox, Jr. Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation for the CSRA (PO Box 31358, Augusta, GA 30903) or St. John United Methodist Church (736 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901).

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com