William G. Knight

William G. Knight, age 91 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. Born on October 4th, 1932 in Peoria Illinois, William (Bill) moved to Knoxville at the age of three, when his parents, George and Josephine relocated to work on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN. Bill grew up in Fountain City, where he attended Central High School and University of Tennessee Knoxville. Bill served as a Military Police Officer in the US Army, where he was deployed to Germany between 1953 and 1955, earning the rank of Corporal. After receiving an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1955, Bill relocated to Jefferson City, Tennessee. While serving as Manager of the Jefferson County Southern States Farmers Cooperative, Bill met Sylvia Jane Whittaker. Bill and Sylvia were married in December of 1957 and started a family. Around that time Bill started his career in the insurance industry working for several insurance companies and agencies. In 1977 Bill formed William Knight Insurance Agency, Inc. where he continued to work well into his 80's. Throughout his insurance career and personal life, Bill was respected by his many colleagues, clients and employees and was loved by all. In his career, Bill filled many volunteer roles, including The Metropolitan Planning Commission, The Insurors of Tennessee, Knoxville Home Builders Association, Knoxville Independent Insurance Association and The Optimist Club of Knoxville. In his personal life, as a longtime member of First Christian Church, Bill served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Board in 2013. Bill was preceded in death by his parents George W. Knight and Josephine McGill-Knight and son, Stephen W. Knight. He was survived by his wife, Sylvia Whittaker-Knight; sons Christopher, Phillip & Randall (Betsey Justin Knight); grandchildren Sarah Knight-Huckabee (Kealan), Justin Knight (mother, Debra Knight) and Allie Knight; great grandchildren Lucas and Carson Huckabee. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation- Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. On Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at 1:00 pm, the friends and family will gather at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a graveside service with Rev. Coy Jo Bays officiating. In lieu of flowers the family request’s donations be made to The Optimist Club of Knoxville, P O Box 358, Knoxville, TN 37901. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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William G. Knight

October 4, 1932 - July 3, 2024