Jimmy Nelson Knight

J. Nelson Knight, 83, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with family and friends by his side. Nelson was born on June 3,1942 in Sikesville, Alabama, the son of the late Mr. Earlie Allen Knight and Mrs. Elma Kirk Knight.

Nelson demonstrated grit and determination early in life. While he was very proud of the lessons he learned growing up on his family’s farm, he was determined to attend college. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering after spending his freshman year teaching himself calculus. Nelson had a successful 37-year career in engineering and retired from General Electric.

Besides his family, Nelson was a faithful and devoted Christian, committed to his community and his church. He repaired braille writers at the Kentucky School for the Blind and taught Sunday School and mentored at Christ Church United Methodist Church for decades.

Nelson is survived by his daughter Amy Knight Carroll and her husband Jim Carroll, his son-in-law Rev. Rodney Craggs and his two grandchildren, Nelson Thomas Carroll and Delaney Grace Carroll. Nelson is preceded in death by the love of his life, Pamela Knight, his daughter Rev. Jana Craggs and his brother, E.O. Knight.

He had a wide circle of friends and family that he loved including Mapie Jean Knight, Martha and Jimmy Allen, Wanda Salley (Ron), Tina Drozdz (Dennis), Dillon Drozdz, Sophie Drozdz, Whitney Cornett (Michael) and Josh Salley (Morgan).

The family appreciated the support and care that the staff of StoryPoint of Louisville provided to Nelson during the last nine months.

Visitation will be from 11am-1pm on Friday May 22nd in the Parlor at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road, Louisville Ky 40207 (through Side Door One). Services will follow at 1:00 PM on Friday at Christ Church United Methodist Church.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent in his memory to Christ Church United Methodist .

Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit www.archlheadywestport.com to view his online tribute or leave a condolence for the family.