Stanley Roy Lee Knox

In Loving Memory of Stanley Knox

Stanley Knox was born in Summerville, Georgia, to Roy Knox and Doris Ludy Knox on October 24, 1939. He was the first of two children born to that union; his sister, Sara Jo, predeceased him. Stanley was a true renaissance man, whose life was filled with opportunities few could dream of, and he took full advantage of them to create wonderful memories.

He joined the United States Army right out of high school, just two months shy of his 17th birthday. While he was in the service, his family moved to Detroit. After being honorably discharged from the Army three years later, he joined them there. Thanks to his mother, who met his future wife, he found his life partner in Detroit. On his 21st birthday in 1960, he married Dorothy Brent, and they remained together for 64 years. They had no children but cherished several nieces and nephews who were like children to them.

Stanley was a man of faith. His spiritual journey began in Summerville, where he was a member of Hemphill A.M.E. Zion Church. After moving to Detroit in 1957, his family joined St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church, where he became an active member, serving in the William M. White Male Choir, the Praise and Worship Choir, the Technology Committee, and other ministries.

Throughout the years, Stanley demonstrated his deep love for his family by being a constant source of support and assistance. He was a true friend not only to his family but also to the buddies he made over time through work, church, and his community. His passion for motorcycling took him across almost every state in the country and into Canada, often with his wife, Dorothy, riding alongside him. He loved visiting national parks, exploring many of them on his Honda trips, from Acadia National Park in Maine to the Badlands, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier, and the Redwoods out West.

Stanley's career led him to join the Detroit Police Department in 1966, where he served for 28 years. He rose through the ranks, working at the 7th and 10th Precincts and the Traffic Section, eventually becoming Detroit's Police Chief in 1991. He retired three years later in 1994.

A health enthusiast, Stanley believed strongly in physical fitness. After retirement, he became a certified personal trainer and transformed his basement into a personal gym where he coached friends and others on how to stay fit. He was also a skilled photographer, capturing many great moments during his travels and at home with family and friends.

Stanley is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy; his brother, Earl Hayes (Angie); several nephews and nieces, especially niece/daughter Dorian Hoskins and Andre Hoskins; and many cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to the St. Paul AME Zion Endowment Fund.

https://www.stpauldetroit.org/donate