Jerry Wilburn Knight

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Wilburn Knight, who left us on September 9, 2023, in his hometown of Ashford, Alabama. Jerry was born on September 6, 1945, to the late Henry and Minerva Meadows Knight. Throughout his 78 years, he was a beacon of love, strength, and joy to all who knew him.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Ashford, Alabama. Born in Houston County, he graduated from Webb High School and devoted his life to the service of his community. His dedication and work ethic were evident in his long and successful career. Jerry worked as a General Foreman at Farley Nuclear Plant before founding Knights Automotive in 1994 with his son Dewayne. He worked tirelessly until his well-deserved retirement in 2013.

However, Jerry's commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life. He was a volunteer firefighter in Ashford and proudly served on the Ashford City Council. His compassionate spirit and dedication to service were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Jerry was a man of many passions. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt for arrowheads and never passed up an opportunity to go fishing. He was a regular figure at local flea markets, always on the hunt for a good bargain. Jerry also loved watching Western movies, with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne among his favorite actors. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Eleanor Pate Knight, by his son, Dewayne (Terri) Knight, and daughter, Susan (Mike) Thompson. He was a cherished grandfather to Austin Knight, Caleb (Alizabeth) Knight, Samantha Evans, and Luke (Madison) Knight, and a doting great-grandfather to Waylon Knight, Saylor Knight, and Paisley Conrad. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Aldoflus Knight, and his sisters Tina Skinner, Mary Bozeman, and Eloise Brown.

A man of faith, Jerry was a member of Wayside Baptist Church in Ashford and a respected member of the Masonic Order in Ashford. His life, filled with adventure, hard work, and love for his family, exemplified the quote by Helen Keller, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Jerry lived every day as a daring adventure, always ready with a helping hand and a friendly smile.

The family will honor Jerry's life with a graveside service at 2 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Ashford City Cemetery. Rev. Billy Womack will officiate the service. The family will also receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm.

Jerry's life was a testament to his adventurous spirit, his handy skills, and his friendly nature. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. We take comfort in knowing that his love will continue to guide us, just as his life has touched so many others. Jerry will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will forever be a part of Ashford, the community he loved so dearly.