Harvard Kniffen (12-17-11)

HOSCHTON - Harvard Kniffen, 87, died Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Gwinnett Medical Center following an extended illness.

He was born September 19, 1924, the son of the late Earl and Bertha Kniffen. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 8th Air Force during World War II. He enjoyed a 28-year career in retail management with the same company before starting and running his own successful business for 12 years until his retirement. Mr. Kniffen was also preceded in death by his sisters, Phyllis Hamilton and Geraldine Richmond.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Bernice Kniffen; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tim Sennitt, Hampshire, England; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Jacqui Kniffen, Charlotte, N.C., and Dan and Cheryl Kniffen, Braselton; grandson, Matthew Kniffen, Braselton; granddaughter, Michelle Kniffen, Braselton; and sisters, Beverly Fonseth and Barbara Rau, both of Indiana.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 21, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment following in Memorial Park South Cemetery. Pastor Alan Johnson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, at the funeral home. Refreshments will be served at the funeral home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 1756 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth GA 30097-3418.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.