PARSONSFIELD- Arnold Sherman Knowles III, age 88, passed away on May 23, 2025, at Maine Medical Center.
Buzzy was born May 24, 1936, to parents Arnold S. Knowles Jr. and Madeline Thompson (Huston) Knowles in Kingston, Rhode Island. He attended schools in Kingston as well.
Buzzy started his farming at a young age at his uncle's dairy farm in Rhode Island. From there he went on to learn the greenhouse business from two polish brothers in Rhode Island.
Buzzy also learned to be a mechanic on the farm. In the 60’s he hauled potatoes from northern Maine to Rhode Island. After receiving a job offer at King Cole’s Potato Farm to run the farm and to be a mechanic, he moved to Maine permanently.
Buzzy worked for King Cole and was also a mechanic at Fox & Ginn, A.J. Cole’s, and Freightliner of Maine. He was a specialist at Detroit Engines and Eaton Transmissions.
Buzzy was a very hard worker and in 1971 he married Ramona (Weeks) Knowles of Porter and started his own greenhouse business. There he ran his own repair shop and sold flowers, annuals, and perennials. He also grew large strawberry fields. He had a small engine shop and sold lawnmowers, chainsaws, and skidoo snowmobiles.
Buzzy retired from the greenhouse business at 62 and started to drive trucks, working for several local companies like L.E. Taylor + Sons., R.C. McLucas, M.E. Humphrey, Robert Libby + Sons., Elwin Day, and Kenny Spiller + Jerry Anderson Septic Service. Buzzy always was willing to help anyone he could.
Buzzy loved to restore farmall tractors. He was a member of the Southern Maine Antique Tractor Club and pulled at many fairs.
For the last 10 years he has been a companion to Janice Files of Cape Elizabeth. They really enjoyed each other's company, traveling, and dining out.
Buzzy is predeceased by his parents and a sister Ann Thompson Knowles.
He is survived by his loving companion Janice Files, and son David Knowles.
Visitation will be held on Saturday May 31st. from 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., in Cornish. At 11:30 AM, there will be an opportunity to share stories about Buzzy. A graveside service will follow at Porter Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Southern Maine Antique Tractor Club, 42 Juniper Ln. Lebanon, Maine 04027.
Online condolence messages can be made at www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal, & York Funeral Home- Cornish.