Haden "Eddie" Edward Knox's Obituary
H. Edward “Eddie” Knox, 89, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. He lived a life marked by leadership, service, faith and unwavering devotion to the people and communities he cherished.
For more than six decades, Eddie distinguished himself as one of North Carolina’s most respected attorneys. As senior managing partner of Knox, Brotherton, Knox and Godfrey, he built a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer, trusted counselor, and steadfast advocate. His professional achievements earned him recognition as a certified trial specialist, induction into the North Carolina Bar Association General Practice Hall of Fame, designation as a Super Lawyer, and repeated recognition among Charlotte’s Legal Elite, voted by his peers. He also attained The National Trial Lawyers Accreditation.
Eddie was born and raised on a rural farm in Davidson, NC, the youngest of 8 siblings. Those modest beginnings kept him humble but hungry. At NC State he found his drive in service for others, first elected as student body Vice President and later as President. After attending Wake Forest University Law, he became a North Carolina State Senator and later served as a two-term Mayor of Charlotte, helping guide the city through a period of growth and transformation. He was a gubernatorial candidate in 1984 before returning to a full time law career.
Eddie was also a visionary entrepreneur throughout his life, combining his love of golf, golf design and residential development. One of his proudest accomplishments was the development of Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club in Denver, NC, creating not only a premier golf course but community where families would often tell him, “Verdict Ridge has been a great neighborhood to raise my kids.” Ironically, the first Verdict Ridge born baby is all grown up and now a talented paralegal at the Knox law firm.
While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Eddie best remember that the man behind the many titles was entirely down to earth. Eddie was generous with his time, always willing to offer guidance to those seeking counsel. He mentored young attorneys, coached youth baseball and became a father figure to countless young and old who needed guidance.
Eddie was blessed with the gift of song, growing up singing each Sunday as a youth at Bethel Presbyterian Church. After moving back to Lake Norman following his political career, he formed the Witness Quartet, a Southern Gospel group filled with cousins, his son Scott and nephew Mike. For 30 years, the group often let the early service singing at Bethel and traveled to area churches to spread the gospel through music. Music was a large part of who Eddie was and the to the Knox family in general. Whenever there was a Knox reunion, there was sure to be music involved.
Above all, Eddie was devoted to his family, sharing 50 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Frances, whose partnership in love, the law, and friendship was one of the greatest blessings of his life. Eddie was a proud father to 4 children, Ashley Knox Scoggins (Bobby), Scott Knox (Ryan) and was predeceased by his son Bryan Knox and his daughter Cindy Knox Kwasny. He was also blessed with many beautiful grandchildren, Garrett Scoggins (Kate), Kaylee Scoggins McNeill (Evan), Laney Scoggins, Haden Knox, Carson Knox, Chris Kwasny, Zack Kwasny, Stephanie Kwasny (deceased) and great grandchild, Shyanna Kwasny and another on the way. Eddie is also survived by his many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces/nephews who loved their “Uncle Eddie.”
Eddie’s legacy cannot be measured by the offices he held, the awards he received, or the organizations he led, but in the countless lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, the opportunities he created, and the example he set through a life well lived.
A funeral service celebrating Eddie’s life will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11am at Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius, North Carolina. The memorial will be immediately followed by interment at his beloved Bethel Presbyterian Church, Cornelius, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to:
The Growing in Faith Building Fund, Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road Cornelius, NC 28031.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Haden "Eddie"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Haden "Eddie"?
Share a story where Haden "Eddie"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Haden "Eddie" you’ll never forget.
How did Haden "Eddie" make you smile?
