Upon graduating high school, he was a Triple A pitcher for the Chicago White Sox farm team until enlisting in the United States Army. After completing his tour of duty, he moved to Memphis, where he soon began working for the US Postal Service. He was the owner of the shoe department in Cashion Wright's Mens Wear and the manager of Tatum's Shoes, both located in Poplar Plaza. Upon retiring, he worked part time for Wolff Ardis Law Firm until moving to Forrest City, Arkansas, where he and his wife started their own peach farm. In 2013, due to health reasons, he returned to Memphis to reside with his daughter and family.
He was an avid golfer and a lifelong fan of the Ole Miss Rebels and the St. Louis Cardinals. He excelled at many sports throughout his life. He was a devoted family man, who never met a stranger and was a friend to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death, by his wife of 63 years, Billye Nichols Knight from New Castle, Arkansas and seven siblings. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Peggy Knight Mills; his son-in-law, Terry Mills; his precious granddaughter, Olivia Mills of Memphis and his brother, Danny Knight of Meridian, Mississippi. He is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces and friends.
On Tuesday, July 10, visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p,m., with a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to the Memphis Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Memphis, TN. Online condolences may be offered through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.
