Charles Edward Knight Sr. obituary
Charles Edward Knight Sr., “Big Charles” was born on June 16, 1940 to the late Isaac Knight and Edna Clay Knight in Blytheville Arkansas. From this union six children were born; two brothers, Isaac Jr, and Robert Lee; two sisters Linzine and Irma Ruth preceded in death. Freeman Brown, Charles eldest siblings also preceded him in death.
From birth, Charles could be seen as an obedient child with a quiet spirit, so it was no surprise Charles was Baptized at Armorel Church of God in Christ where his grandfather Elder Freeman Clay was the founder and pastor.
Charles attended several elementary schools and graduated from Armorel High School in Armorel AR 1961, after High School Charles continued working. In 1962 he married the love of his life, Josephine Hattiex. To this union eight children were born, three preceded him in death. Rolanda B. Knight, Dushon S. Knight, Charles E. Knight, Jr. one granddaughter Takina Douglas.
Charles relocated to Chicago, IL and became the first black supervisor to be employed at Crane Valve Co. Years later Charles moved to Pontiac, MI., where he was gainfully employed at General Motors 17 years until retirement in 1991. Being the man everyone knew him to be, Charles cared, loved and provided for his family unconditionally. Charles also volunteered for the Pontiac Housing Authority, Pontiac, MI., He was recognized and received several awards for Director of Pontiac Housing Commissioner. Charles received his local Minister Licensed on January 22, 1989 of the lake street church of God in Pontiac, MI. He was greatly loved by his community and fellow man. Charles became a member of Simeon Baptist Church in Antioch, TN under the fellowship of Rev. John Rollins.
On May 28, 2019 the gates of Heaven opened and welcome Charles to everlasting life. He leaves to cherish his memories a lovely wife, Josephine Knight, four sons, Rodney Knight of LaVergne, TN Michael-Tanisha Knight of Springfield, TN., Roland “B.B” -Jackie Knight of Pontiac MI., Anthony- Linda Knight of Westfield, IN; one daughter, Kemyetta Knight- Walter Woodruff of LaVergne, TN; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one sister Mildred Knight Barksdale of Crete, IL and two sisters-in-law, Alfreda Anderson-Barry of Gosnell, Ark- Earline Blackburn of Steele, MO.
Visitation will be 4PM to 8PM Thursday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna, TN. Funeral service 1PM Friday at Simeon Baptist Church in Antioch, TN., Rev. John Rollins will officiate. Burial will follow in Mapleview Cemetery, Smyrna, TN. www.woodfinchapel.com
