Donnie Ray Knight

We are beginning this obituary the way our Dad began most conversations: “Yeah Boy.” We are heartbroken to announce the death of our father, Donnie Ray Knight. He passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 79, surrounded by friends and family. Dad loved and cared for our mother more deeply than anyone could comprehend. He served our country in the Navy “Seabees” in Vietnam, where he received a bronze star.

Those who knew him know that he never met a stranger. He was always the life of the party. He could sell ice to an Eskimo, and he absolutely loved telling people how proud he was of his kids and grandkids. He loved to get on a deer stand on a cold fall morning, playing cards with his friends on a long night, grilling a pig, cooking for the masses, holding a grandchild, and kissing our mother. He had the best jokes, at least “the ones you could tell.”

But more than any of that, he was a shining example of love. He loved God, he loved his family, and he loved to put others first in life. The world won’t be quite as good a place without him in it!

Dad was survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice Knight; his three sons, Mark Knight (Kim), Brandon Knight, and Jonathan Knight (Rhonda); his siblings, Jerry Knight (Willa), Donna Knight, Betty Winstead (Ronald), Randy Knight (Joyce), Sue Flowers (Jamie), Eddie Knight (Barbara), Ronald Knight, and Carol Knight; his 6 grandchildren, Michael Knight (Joanna), Cody Knight, Nicholas Lindley, Jacob Knight, Haley Knight; and Connor Knight, and his two great-grandchildren, Emma and MaKenna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. J.W. Knight and Kathleen Knight; his brother, Bobby Knight; and his sister-in-law, Linda Knight.

We will miss Dad dearly, but we know that we will see him again in Heaven.

Dad, we love you!

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 16th, 2023, at The Epicenter Church from 10 to 11:30 AM. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM with Reverend Mark Knight officiating. Burial to follow the service at Lafayette Memorial Park.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donnie Ray Knight, please visit our floral store.