Obituary

W.E. Knight

October 10, 1949 - September 18, 2020

William E. Knight, III, age 70, went to his Heavenly Home on Friday September 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. W.E. was born on October 10, 1949 at McGehee’s Clinic in Franklinton. He graduated from Franklinton High School in 1967, where he played for the Demons baseball team, winning back to back State Championships. He then played for Southeastern Louisiana University as a pitcher, where he threw 17 complete games during his 4 successful years. W.E. loved baseball and passed that love on to his sons and countless other boys that he coached and umpired for many years in Little League and American Legion. He retired as a supervisor after 33 years of service in the Environmental Health Services Department of the Washington Parish Health Unit. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, where he served as a deacon for many years, worked with young men in the Royal Ambassadors program, and for the last several years was the “Candy Man” to all the children and families that he greeted each Sunday. W.E. was a wonderful husband, father, brother and Poppa. He most enjoyed the time he spent with his sons coaching them in baseball and making precious memories in the outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing and providing expert supervision in the garden. All the great stories and memories shared with his sons as they traveled on hunting trips around the country will never grow old and last a lifetime. The last five years have been filled with cherished memories spent with his young grandchildren.

Survived by: Wife of 29 years: Cindy Stafford Knight; 3 Sons and Daughters in law: William E. “Bill” Knight, IV and Annette Knight, Jonathan R. and Linda Knight, Derrick S. and Kelsey Knight all of Franklinton; Precious Grandchildren: Olivia Blair Knight, Turner Alexander Knight; And Older Grandchildren: Seager and Brittnee Knox, Eden Knox; 7 Siblings and Spouses: Dr. Larry William Knight and Lynn Knight of Hammond, LA, Brenda and Larry Lindig of Cocodrie, LA, Beverly Knight, Frances Landry both of Franklinton, Lesa Sharkey of Van Alstyne, TX, Jeffrey Knight of Mt. Hermon, Gina Meier of Van Alstyne, TX; Step-Brothers: Raymond Fisher, Glenn Fisher and their families; Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father William E. “Bill” Knight, Jr., mother and step-father Earline Jones Knight Fisher and D.C. Fisher, several aunts and uncles and other family members.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Franklinton (903 Cleveland Street, Franklinton) on Sunday September 20th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the church at 4:00 pm Sunday with Dr. Cody Warren and Rev. Randall Garcia officiating. For the safety of others, please wear a face covering while attending the services.

Honorary Pallbearers: All current and prior deacons of First Baptist Church, members of the Steadfast Sunday School Class, Phil Bateman, Allen Boyd, Joey Brown, Murdock Brumfield, Rusty Burkhalter, Lester Dykes, Brent Hoggatt, Tommy Ravencraft, Drew Stevens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the First Baptist Church Building Fund (950 Self Street, Franklinton, LA 70438)