Brian Knight Obituary
BRIAN DEWAYNE KNIGHT, son of Jessie J. Knight, Sr. and Doris Marie Hanks Knight, was born in Springfield, Missouri, on October 7, 1960, and departed this life September 5, 2020, also in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of fifty-nine years. Brian graduated from Springfield Catholic High School and continued his education by attending Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), where he received a Bachelors Degree in Business.
Brian was a management executive for large retail stores, including Stinger Sams, Montgomery Ward, Walmart Supercenter, Academy Sports and Tractor Supply. Those who worked with Brian will forever treasure his infectious smile and willingness to help. As a manager, he was a mentor and friend. His door was always open and he made his employees and co-workers feel important daily.
Brian was a people person and loved making new friends. He enjoyed playing chess and pool, astronomy, watching Jeopardy and spending time with his family. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. On September 10, 2016, he was united in marriage with Gail Rene' Bench, and together they shared the next several years of love, laughter and many wonderful memories.
Brian was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri and most recently attended New Life Fellowship Church in Richland, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Gail; three sons, Richard and Timothy Knight, both of Springfield, MO and Richard Hannon of Sunrise Beach, MO; two daughters, Pamela Escamilla (Jason) of Sunrise Beach, MO and Angela Weber (Jarod) of Rolla, MO; his father, Jessie J. Knight Sr., of Fordland, MO; two brothers, Jessie J. Knight Jr. (Joye Blount) Charlotte, North Carolina and Edric Raymond Knight of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three sisters, Patricia Diahann Moore (Don Hardesty) of Colorado Springs, CO, Janice Kay Knight of Thomasville, SC, Shirley Jean Knight (Bonnie Carter) Huntingtown, Maryland; ten grandchildren, Hazel Rose and Anthony Jo Knight, Haley Escamilla, Nicholas Payne, Jeremiah Watson, Damion Gammons, Abigail and Elaina Weber, Nick Castleberry, Ashley Ackerman; one great-grandchild, Selene Payne; other relatives and many dear friends, including Tony Peterson of the state of Texas and Steve Reith of Springfield, MO.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Marie Hanks Knight. Brian had a huge heart and was always willing to help others. He was kind and genuine. Those who knew him will forever cherish the contagious laughter he shared. Until we meet again, our loss is certainly Heaven's gain. IN LOVING MEMORY BRIAN DEWAYNE KNIGHT. BORN October 7, 1960.
PASSED AWAY September 5, 2020. FUNERAL SERVICE September 10, 2020 Shadel's Colonial Chapel. MINISTER Gabe Felan. EULOGY Tony Peterson. ESCORTS Damion Gammons Nicholas Payne Jason Escamilla Jarod Weber David Williams Jimmy Bench. RESTING PLACE Oaklawn Cemetery.
