John Thomas "Tommy" McKnight

Tommy was born on July 8, 1934, in Jackson TN to James William and Frances Estelle McKnight.

He is survived by wife of 61 years, Willa Dean Harris McKnight; daughter, Cindy Channell (Tommy); son, Doug McKnight (Beth), all of Memphis, TN; and grandchildren, Evan Hunter McKnight of New York City, Beaty Elizabeth McKnight and Thomas Clinton "Clint" Channell, both of Memphis TN.

He is preceded in death by a son, John Thomas "Johnny" McKnight II, and James William "Bill" McKnight, Jr.

Tommy enjoyed a lifelong career that spanned many different areas of business and politics while serving enthusiastically in military, social, and church service. These included: Jackson Jaycees, past president Jackson Elks, Gideon International, and Army National Guard -Lieutenant Colonel serving 27 years. He also served as a TSSAA official being the youngest to ever officiate the state basketball tournament in 1959, and a Car Salesmen at Dick Clippard Lincoln Mercury, selling cars to the likes of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. Afterwards, he became a Real Estate broker/developer/builder in Jackson, Hendersonville and Gallatin TN, developing numerous projects including shopping centers, hospital, motel, restaurants, office buildings and custom homes.

Tommy served his constituents from Madison and Gibson Counties in the State Legislature's 85th general assembly from 1966-1970 serving on the Agriculture, correctional institution, military and Veteran Affairs and Labor Committees. Later deciding to further make himself available for service to the entire state of Tennessee by entering the 1982 gubernatorial race and successfully getting his message of change spread throughout the state.

Tommy led a lifetime of selfless service to others and his faith. Along with his wife, he was an active member of Germantown Baptist Church as members of Agape Sunday School Class and he enjoyed weekly men's bible study gatherings, as well as his dedicated service to the Germantown Gideon Camp. Tommy was instrumental in bringing awareness of the Tres Dias to the Christian community in Tennessee. A retreat that brings so many closer to Christ and to each other, including the McKnight family.

Tommy's light continues to shine as he is the heart of a very close family who cherishes his deep kindness and great optimism for the family and for others.

The family wants to extend deep gratitude to the loving care of a number of caregivers and to thank Baptist Reynolds Hospice House for the care given the past few weeks.

A Celebration of Tommy's life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 12 Noon at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, TN .

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday evening, September 2, 2014, from 5-8 p.m. in the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Friends may also call on Wednesday, beginning at 11 a.m., one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions in Tommy's memory may be directed to Gideons International, P.O. Box 382364, Germantown, TN 38183; or

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.