Raymond Knight

Industrious, hard working, self-reliant, humorous, giving, loving, and spirit-filled---Brother Raymond Edward "Mickey" Knight loved life and family. Whenever Raymond was encountered by anyone, you would always be greeted by a tall and dark man with a big smile. This greeting would often be followed by humor and laughter. Raymond loved the company of people and laughter and he lived his life to the fullest. Ecclesiastes 2:24 - [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God. There was a beginning to all of Raymond's attributes; they were spawned from the seed of Frederick and Velma Hopson Knight who were proud parents of three wonderful boys. The youngest was Frederick, Jr; the middle child was Carl who was preceded in death; The oldest child was Raymond who was born February 10, 1941, in Bessemer, Alabama. Velma's candle was sniffed out when Raymond was only three years old. Velma's mother, Mrs. Lillian Hopson---an educator and church worker---heroically took on the loving task of rearing three babies. God gave her the courage and the strength to continue what Velma had begun. At an early age, Raymond confessed Christ and joined the New Jerusalem Baptist church under the pastorate of Reverend Wilson Fallin, Sr. Later in his adult life, he joined the Macedonia Baptist Church. Under the pastoral guidance of Reverend William E. Scott, Raymond served as an usher, Sunday school teacher, custodian and chairman of many programs and committees. Raymond served faithfully at Macedonia until his health began to fail him. Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Raymond attended grade school at Robertstown Elementary School where his grandmother Lillian Hopson kept a watchful eye on her grandson. After elementary school, Raymond attended 22nd Street School which later became Jackson Solomon Abrams School. He attended Dunbar High School and graduated in 1959. His educational pursuits continued at Bessemer State Technical College where he earned an Associate's degree in electronics. Afterwards, Raymond attended Lawson State Community College where he studied under the Electrician Program. After high school, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army in 1960. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. The real story of the 82nd is the thousands of unnamed paratroopers in jump boots, baggy pants and maroon berets, who have always been ready and willing to jump into danger and then dive on until the mission was accomplished. (Mickey was a bad man) - Stated in terms of protecting his country. He finished his military service on August 16th 1965. Raymond loved his children and grandchildren more than life itself, and he would do anything within his power to make sure that they were provided with the necessities for a good life. Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! ~Lydia M. Child. Raymond was blessed with love and children after his military service. He met and married Marjorie Ashford. From their union, he became the proud father to three beautiful girls; Raynette Knight, Angelia McCain-Lanier and Toni McCain. Later in life, nuptials once again would intertwine within the fabric of Raymond's life. Raymond met and married Natalie Louise Taylor who was preceded in death. From their union, he also became the proud father to three beautiful girls; Katrina Knight-Horn, Tonya Armstrong-Killings and Clenise Armstrong-Chancellor. Mickey worked hard for the duration of his life to provide for his family and for himself. His secular work included working for Chambers Funeral Home, Johnson Funeral Home, U.S. Steel and Alagasco. Later in life Mickey was primarily self-employed. He worked as an electrician, plumber, carpenter and with small electronics. A phrase that was a common thread throughout the community was; "Do you know where I can find Mickey Knight, because I need some help with my house." Mickey was always willing to help anyone that he could. 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. The scripture II Timothy 4:7-8 which reads "I have fought a good fight, I have finish my course, I have kept the faith." succinctly sums up Raymonds's love for God, family and life. On Wednesday, June 16th, 2015 God called Raymond to rest from his labor. He leaves a legacy as a caring parent and grandparent, an affectionate brother and brother-in-law, a loving son-in-law, a wise advisor, a great teacher, a wonderful friend and a humble spirit. Cherishing his memories are his daughters; Raynette Knight, Katrina Knight-Horn (Maurice) Angelia McCain-Lanier, Toni McCain, Tonya Armstrong-Killings (Cedrick) and Clenise Armstrong-Chancellor (Vincent); one brother Frederick (Posie) Knight, Jackson, MS; two sisters, Sylvia Morgan-Smith (William), Denver, CO, and Michelle McCain(Johnny), Omaha, NE; one brther-in-law Thornton Taylor; six grandchildren, Whitney Knight-who was preceded in death, Cydney Knight, Courtney Knight, Lyric Horn, Kamauri Horn, Maurice Horn, Jr. ;three great grandchildren, Sanae Sanders, Lequita Spradley, Quinchez Spradley; a loving aunt, Lela Hopson, Birmingham AL; One nephew, Michael D. Knight, Sr. (Stephanie); two nieces, Dana Knight-Body (Catouche), Jackson, MS and Kesa Knight-Marshall (Leronious), Jackson, MS; two great nieces; two great nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.