George Stanford Knapp III

Dr. George Stanford Knapp, III, 87, of Houston, Texas, peacefully left this world on September 13, 2022. Though his world had become smaller living with Alzheimer's, he passed his final days reliving and reminiscing with his children about the very large life that he had lived. 
George was born in Memphis, Tennessee on February 25, 1935, to Seline Pelegrin and George Knapp, Jr. He attended St. Theresa, The Little Flower Catholic School; Christian Brothers High School; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and was graduated from Memphis State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. George received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. In 1960, he married his college sweetheart, Anita Fulghum Knapp, and completed his residency training at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis. Thereafter, George's US Army orders and medical career took them from Memphis to Augusta, Georgia. 
In 1969, the family moved to Houston for George's anesthesia residency at Baylor College of Medicine where he had the opportunity to practice with legendary physicians, Denton Cooley and Michael DeBakey. Following his residency, George began an esteemed career that would span more than four decades, three of those at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, where he served for many years as the Chief of Anesthesia, and made many of his life-long friends. 
George was known for his excellent bedside manner and his great, but quirky sense of humor. He maintained the highest standards of care with a playful attitude and a superb ability to set his patients at ease, especially when introducing himself as Dr. Knapp, the anesthesiologist! For one family friend, George wore rabbit ears while putting her under. When she awoke she exclaimed that she had seen the "Easter Bunny." George replied, "Yes, you did see a bunny, but it was the "Ether Bunny!" Through the years, George's family was told time and again how grateful people were to have been treated by Dr. Knapp. So much so, that his colleagues affectionately awarded him an "Anesthesia for Celebrities" trophy because of the many requests for his services. 
George's kind and generous spirit, together with his sense of fun translated to many wonderful adventures for both his children and their friends. Whether it was ferrying a bunch of giggling girls all over Lake Conroe or carting his son's friends to hunt or fish, George always did it with a big smile, a twinkle in his eye, lots of patience and a quip to keep them all laughing. 
George also maintained a close cadre of friends who shared his love of hunting and fishing. Whether it was dove hunting in Mexico, goose hunting in the rice fields of Katy, deer hunting in West Texas or fishing in Alaska or the Gulf of Mexico, George enjoyed a good Cuba Libre and lots of tall tales with good friends Hubert Askew, Ron Van Gilder and the recently departed, Russ Jacobe, among others. 
George also had a deep love for adventure and travel and embarked on many memorable trips including ski vacations with his family, escorting his mother to Ireland, cruising the Panama Canal with brother John, exploring the Galapagos Islands with lifelong friend Donnie Brugge or enjoying the many US and European adventures with girlfriend, Terry Mooneyham, and dear friends, Marilyn and Brian Paine. He loved to experience it all. 
It was dear friend Marilyn who helped George on his most important journey. When Marilyn began taking George to church with her, her strength of faith became a guiding light for him. George renewed his faith in God, allowing for a peace of mind and rekindled spirit during his last season of life for which the family is forever grateful. 
The family is also grateful for the loving caregivers both from The Tradition and C&S Healthcare Services, in particular, Dede, Elisha, Inelia, Kehinde, Maria, Musu and Titi.
George is survived by son David Knapp (Leslie) of Houston, daughters Lauren Kenneally (Matthew) of Houston, and Jennifer Berridge (Jason) of San Antonio. Known affectionately to his grandchildren as "Grandaddy George", "G-Daddy" and "Jorge", he will be forever treasured in the hearts of Emily, Elizabeth and Olivia Knapp; Griffen and Graham Kenneally; and Britton, Mac and Emile Berridge. George is also survived by his brother John Knapp (Cathy) of Maplewood, NJ; devoted nephew, William "Bill" Harris of Jonesboro, AR; cherished nieces and nephews John Knapp, Jr. and family, Ben Knapp and family, Christina Dieter and family, Claire Kelley and family, and Lindsey Lawrence and family, and girlfriend, Terry Mooneyham, of Republic, MO. 
George was predeceased by his parents Mr. and Mrs. George Knapp Sr., siblings Freddy Knapp, Bobby Knapp and Mary Knapp and his former spouse, Anita Fulghum Knapp, with whom he enjoyed a lifelong friendship until her death. 
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services, 1734 West Alabama Street in Houston, Texas. Friends are invited to gather for a reception to be held from ten o'clock in the morning until noon with a service to be conducted at half past ten. Interment will take place at eleven o'clock on Monday, September 26, 2022 at Calvary Cemetery, 1663 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee. 
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148- 0142; or to the charity of your choice.