Beaufort, North Carolina, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort community is in mourning as it grieves the loss of two cherished residents, Dr. Michael J. Holroyde and Thomas ‘Tommy’ Theodore Knox. Dr. Holroyde, a noted educator, passed away peacefully at home, revered for his wisdom and kind spirit. Tommy Knox, known for his warm presence at Carteret Health Care, also passed away at home, leaving behind fond memories and a legacy of community connections. Both men are remembered for their profound impact on the lives of those around them.
Beaufort, North Carolina – The community is mourning the recent passings of two beloved local figures, Dr. Michael J. Holroyde and Thomas “Tommy” Theodore Knox. Dr. Holroyde passed away peacefully at home in 2025 at the age of 74, surrounded by his family. Tommy Knox, known for his friendly presence at Carteret Health Care, passed away at his home on September 5, 2025, at the age of 68.
Dr. Michael J. Holroyde
Dr. Holroyde was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather known for his wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit. He wished to be cremated and returned to his family after his passing. Born to Harold Holroyde and Ellen Beatrice (White) Holroyde, Michael spent his early years in England. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bath University and later completed a Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn West Holroyde, and his children: Chris (Tammy) Ricci, Nik (Julie) Ricci, Sarah (Mark) Vaught, and Alex (Ali) Holroyde. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Alayna, Nathan, Landon, Connor, Anthony, Sophia, Andrew, Addie May, Norah, Charlee Grace, and Sadie Beatrice. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David William Holroyde.
Michael Holroyde is remembered for his integrity, deep thought, and quiet strength, having encouraged and inspired his family throughout his life.
Thomas “Tommy” Theodore Knox
Tommy Knox passed away peacefully at his home in Beaufort, North Carolina, at 6:45 a.m. His family has organized a celebration of his life, scheduled for September 13, 2025, at Ann Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort at 11 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors, shorts, and flip flops in line with Tommy’s wishes.
Born on November 5, 1956, to Marvin and Nancy (Whitehurst) Knox, Tommy was a devoted husband for 47 years to his high school sweetheart, Cindy. The couple welcomed one daughter, Lisa, in 1981. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Bayer Knox, daughter Lisa and her husband Patrick, grandsons Garrison Thomas Rose and Lupton Knox Rose, nephew Jeremy Turnage and wife Ellen, and sister Joy Knox Willis.
Tommy graduated from East Carteret High School and became a prominent figure at Carteret Health Care, where he worked in patient registration and developed many cherished relationships. He also dedicated 30 years part-time at Munden’s Funeral Home, building strong bonds with the community.
In addition to his professional life, Tommy enjoyed spending quality time with his family, going on cruises, playing golf, socializing with friends, and attending hockey tournaments for his grandsons. His family expressed gratitude for the care he received at Duke Cancer Center during his 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Duke Cancer Center.
Community Impact
The loss of Dr. Holroyde and Tommy Knox has left a profound impact on the Beaufort community. Both were well-respected and recognized for their warmth and contributions.
Key Features of the Lives Remembered
| Name | Age at Passing | Cause of Passing | Family | Profession | Memorial Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael J. Holroyde | 74 | N/A | Wife: Evelyn West Holroyde; Children: Chris, Nik, Sarah, Alex; 10 Grandchildren | Educator and Academic | N/A |
| Thomas “Tommy” Theodore Knox | 68 | Pancreatic Cancer | Wife: Cindy Bayer Knox; Daughter: Lisa; Grandsons: Garrison Thomas Rose, Lupton Knox Rose | Patient Registration at Carteret Health Care, Part-time at Munden’s Funeral Home | September 13, 2025, Ann Street United Methodist Church |
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Additional Resources
- Munden Funeral Home: Thomas Knox Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy: Paul Hiers Obituary
- Google Search: Thomas Knox
- Legacy: Lucy Gonzalez Obituary
- Google Scholar: Michael J. Holroyde
- Legacy: Charles Dykeman Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Munden Funeral Home: Ronald Masten Obituary
- Google News: Michael Holroyde
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
