Plato "Bubba" Kneece, Jr.

Plato S. “Bubba” Kneece, Jr., 89, of Batesburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so much. Born in Batesburg on October  29, 1935, he was the son of the late Plato S. Kneece, Sr. and Ethelyn Bolen Kneece.

Bubba was a farmer through and through. His whole life was defined by his hard work, dedication, and deep love for the land. He was a true innovator, notably becoming the first farmer to bring the Crimson Sweet watermelon to South Carolina. He always took great pride in providing for his family, passing down the core values of faith, dedication, and humility to every generation that followed.

He leaves behind his loving wife of many years, Joyce Kneece, and their children: Lynne Bodie, Robin Padgett, Cliff Kneece (Robin), and Brad Kneece.

He was also the beloved Grandpa to his grandchildren, Jessica Buzhardt (Matt), Melissa Ott (Josh), Laura Dowda (Nick), and Corbin Kneece (Heather), and his cherished great-grandchildren: Cooper, Colton, Casen, and Mattie Claire Buzhardt; Noah, Nathan, Nichols, and Nina Ray Ott; Adelynn, Arlee, and Weston Dowda; and Scarlett Kneece. Bubba loved watching his family grow and found real joy in the simple things, like time spent with all of them and tending to his farm.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Eva Spence, William Kneece, Linda Boozer, and Gloria Stills and his son-in-law, Donnie Padgett.

Bubba will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and steady presence. Everyone who knew him will recall his great sense of humor and quick wit; he always had a way of making people laugh. His legacy of love, faith, and hard work will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel with Dr. William "Bill" Paulling officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Kneece Family Cemetery located on Kneece Mill Road at Military Circle. A visitation will immediately follow the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to W. Wyman King Academy, 3890 Sardis Road, Batesburg, SC or to a charity of your choice.

Active Pallbearers are Malcolm Bryant, Matt Buzhardt, Zach Davick, Nick Dowda, Steve Hall, Corbin Kneece, Gene Oswalt, and Josh Ott. Honorary Pallbearers are Cooper Buzhardt, Colton Buzhardt, Casen Buzhardt, Noah Ott, Nathan Ott, and Nichols Ott.

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