Willis Elijah Knight

KNIGHT—Willis Elijah Knight, 81, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Although born in Brunswick, GA Willis lived most of his life in Jacksonville, FL. He was a WW II U. S. Navy veteran and a career railroad man for 37 years (CSX/Seaboard) – retiring as a Master Carpenter; however his most beloved role in life was husband, “Daddy, “ and “Papa.” Married to his sweetheart and best friend, Gladys, for 60 years, he lived a richly fulfilling life filled with much love, joy, happiness, and blessings. He made it known to anyone fortunate enough to know him that his love of God and his family were his foremost priority. His moral character could hardly be challenged; he was a dependable, honest and sincere man of his word. He was an affectionate, caring and tender-hearted man who led by example and showed his family the meaning of LOVE. A servant of his faith, he was a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 50 years and his life was a living example of his strong faith in Jesus Christ. Forever he’ll be remembered in the hearts and minds of many, and his legacy and testimony will live on for generations. Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Gladys Yeomans Knight; his daughter, Gail Eaton; his son, Keith Knight and his wife Karen; his sister, Eula Mae Highsmith; 6 grandchildren, Shawn Eaton, Kim Eaton Wilson, Shannon Eaton Lawrence, Justin Knight, Benjamin Knight, and Anna Knight; 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Hammond Blvd, with Assistant Pastor Paul Haney officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM prior to the service.