Kerry Conrad Knight

Kerry was born on October 31, 1965, at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas to Louis and Jagrani Knight.

In addition to his parents, Kerry is survived by his sister, Vashti Knight of La Plata, Maryland; aunt, Geneva "Aunt Bunch" Johnson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; uncle, Jaikaran (Dan) Goolcharan and Yvonne of Trinidad, West Indies; “brother-cousin,” Wayne Nickson and Joy of Beaumont, California; nephews, Justin Nguyen and Daniel Nguyen of White Plains, Maryland; great-nephew, Jaxson Collison of White Plains, Maryland; and a host of loving cousins and friends.

He was a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend whose life touched many people.

At the age of 10, Kerry began attending Potomac Heights Baptist Church (PHBC) in 1975. Shortly after beginning his church journey, Kerry accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1977. His faith became an important part of his life and remained with him until his final moments.

As a young man in the church youth group, Kerry and his father organized the church’s last-running bus route, going throughout the community to determine which children needed transportation on Sunday mornings so they could attend church. Even as a young boy, Kerry demonstrated a heart for serving others.

Kerry also became an avid pool player through the loving influence of his beloved “Daddy Pete.” His love for the game continued throughout his life and became a source of friendship and fellowship wherever he lived.

Kerry was a man of many interests. His hobbies included stamp and coin collecting, playing Atari video games, riding his bicycle while exploring community bike trails, playing tennis, lifting weights, and, of course, playing pool. While living in California, Kerry found peace and solace near the beautiful beaches of San Diego.

Kerry graduated from Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland, in 1984, where he was a member of the Computer Science Club and played tennis. He loved participating in science fairs and excelled to the state championship level. After high school, Kerry was accepted into Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

Throughout his college years, Kerry continued to look out for his family. He took the time on several occasions to tutor his sister, Vashti, in Geometry. He also worked as a summer hire at Bolling Air Force Base.

Following college, Kerry began his professional career at Freddie Mac, where he initially worked as a Financial Consultant before transitioning into the application development field. His years of experience in technology allowed him to continue his career at AOL. While working at AOL, Kerry furthered his education and earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1995.

In 2006, Kerry left the Washington, D.C., area and moved to California. He eventually settled in Carlsbad, where he served as a manager with the Altman Clinical & Translational Research Institute under the UC San Diego Health umbrella.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kerry possessed a compassionate heart. He had a special concern for people experiencing homelessness. During Thanksgiving, rather than simply enjoying a traditional family dinner, Kerry would often spend his time serving meals to people in homeless shelters. His actions reflected the heart of a man who believed that others deserved to be cared for and remembered.

In the later years of Kerry’s life, his family began noticing changes in his health and memory. During this difficult season, his beloved “brother-cousin,” Wayne Nickson, and Wayne’s wife, Joy, demonstrated extraordinary and unconditional love toward Kerry. When he could no longer care for himself, they stepped in and became his caregivers, selling his home and bringing him into their loving community in Beaumont.

There, Kerry was embraced not only by Wayne and Joy but also by the entire neighborhood. The neighbors welcomed him, looked after him, and lovingly considered him one of their own. Even during this season of his life, Kerry continued doing what he loved—playing pool with his neighbors and forming friendships within the community.

Over the past year, Kerry’s health deteriorated rapidly as ALS compromised his strength and ability to care for himself. Yet, even as his body became weaker, the love surrounding him remained strong.

Kerry passed peacefully with Wayne, Joy, and Vashti at his bedside.

Until his final breath, Kerry found comfort in the things that brought him peace. His family read Scripture to him, prayed with him, danced together while listening to the music of the 1980s, and shared precious moments together. And, in his final moments, God called Kerry home while praise and worship music filled the room.

What a beautiful testimony of faith—that the same God Kerry accepted as his Lord and Savior as a young boy was with him at the end of his earthly journey.

Kerry leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, compassion, perseverance, laughter, friendship, and love.

Kerry was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we rejoice in knowing that Kerry is no longer suffering. He is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior—the One he loved, worshipped, and trusted throughout his life.

Kerry, you will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Until we meet again, rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

— Psalm 23:6