Tributes

Robert “Rob” Burke Knapton, 51, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away far too soon on February 1, 2026. Born on September 12, 1974, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Rob lived a life defined by ambition, creativity, humor, and an unmistakable presence that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Rob was a 1992 graduate of East Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He went on to attend the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. He graduated in 1997, majoring in Finance and earning a Bachelor of Business Administration. After relocating to Tallahassee, Rob built a successful career in real estate and mortgage brokerage. He continued his education by attending Florida State University, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate. In 2011, Rob joined Wells Fargo as a Branch Manager, where he began his leadership career in banking. He later joined LoanDepot, where his leadership and drive earned him multiple Chairman’s Elite designations and where, in 2021, he led the most profitable branch in the nation. He went on to lead successful teams at Hartford Funding before retiring from banking in 2024 and embracing life with the same passion he brought to his career. Known for his larger-than-life personality and quick wit, Rob stood out in any room. He never took no for an answer, encouraged those around him to think differently, and inspired the teams he led to pursue success with confidence and creativity. Time spent with Rob always came with laughter and, inevitably, a story to tell. A gifted, self-taught musician, Rob wrote his first song in 1999. After retiring, he returned to music with renewed passion, often found playing his favorite Martin guitar. He taught himself to play multiple instruments and wrote many original songs inspired by his favorite artists Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. At the time of his passing, he was one song away from completing an album. Rob was a lover of all animals, an avid marksman, and a self-proclaimed cowboy at heart. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a mark on the lives he touched. Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Refugia “Yuca” Knapton and Charles Wayne Knapton of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his beloved life partner and closest companion, Whitney Henderson Sampson of Thomasville, Georgia, who was his best friend and steadfast presence in the final years of his life. He is also survived by his children, Dylan Burke Knapton and Elle Corinne Knapton of Portland, Oregon, and by his cousin Juston Ramirez of Huntsville, Arkansas, who was raised alongside Rob and shared a brother-like bond with him. Rob’s life was blessed with many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. A graveside service will be held at Alabam Cemetery in Huntsville, Arkansas, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM, where Rob will be laid to rest beside his parents. A gathering will follow at Oakridge Country Club, and all who wish to honor his life are welcome to attend. A celebration of life will be held in Tallahassee at a later date, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s memory to the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, Florida. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home.

Tributes

Robert Burke Knapton

September 12, 1974 - February 1, 2026