Retired SFC Forrest Knight, Sr. age 88, transitioned from his earthly life on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. He was born on December 19, 1933 in Nash County, NC to the late Eugene Knight and Lola Jones Knight Westry. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ruth Atkinson Knight, of sixty-eight years.
It is better to give than to receive. This was Forrest Knight, Sr’s favorite Bible scripture. It also encapsulates the way he lived his life. Forrest aka Tater Hawk--or simply Hawk to his dear wife--was a living example of this scripture. He was known throughout the community for helping anyone in need—oftentimes going to extreme lengths to lift the financial burdens off of others. He displayed his love for his wife, family, friends and community by giving joyfully. It was his greatest priority in life to do right by his family and others—to ensure that everyone was taken care of to the best of his ability. Aside from loving his family; he was extremely passionate about golf. He was a member of the MacGregor Hole-in-One club—considered a rare achievement. He also had the honor of being featured in several news articles due to his golfing skills.
Forrest also served his country well. He retired from the military, after twenty years of service, as a Sergeant First Class. During his service he received the Bronze Star—special recognition award, special forces, Vietnam 1969 and Best Mess Hall—eight consecutive periods, Fort Bragg, NC. While in the military he served as Food Service Mess Manager—Fort Bragg; Food Supervisor—Vietnam and Dominican Republic and Cook—Fort Bragg, NC and Germany. After his military retirement; he continued to work at Fort Bragg in various positions. He also did a stint in Israel. Forrest also obtained two associate degrees. One in applied Science in Business Administration and the second in applied Science in Merchandising.
Forrest will be best remembered for his pleasant smile and wonderful laugh. He will also be remembered for his wise quotes— “Don’t quit a job while looking for another one” and “The boss isn’t always right, but they’re never wrong.” He would say these with a chuckle. SFC Forrest Knight, Sr. will be greatly missed. However, he loved Jesus and therefore his destination is secure. “For we are confident to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord” -2 Corinthians 5:8. He was a member of Bethel AME Zion Church, Spring Lake, NC and enjoyed going to church and singing in the men's choir. Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend—until we meet again. Farewell.
Forrest leaves to cherish his memories: four sons; Forrest Knight, Jr. and his wife Wanda of Fuquay Varina, NC, Gregory Knight of Fayetteville, NC, Donald Knight and wife Jennifer of Charlotte, NC, Roland Knight of Germany; two daughters, Lesterine Knight of Garner, NC, Kathy Jones and husband Everett of Palmdale, CA; five grandsons, Shaun Knight; Donald Knight, II; Donte Knight; Donnell Knight; Allunzoe Jones; five granddaughters, Carmen Alvarez, Virginia LaKeshia Hayes, Alysha Jones, Bria Knight, Chante Russell; four great-grandsons, Jalen Hollis, Christian Alvarez, Daylen Knight, Cole Knight; four great-granddaughters, Nina Alvarez, Jaida Hollis, Lillyana Alvarez, Gianna Knight and other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Adcock Funeral Home, 2226 Lillington Hwy, Spring Lake, NC 28390 with Elder Geraldine Dennis officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Bragg, NC. There will be a public walk-through viewing on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Adcock Funeral Home, Spring Lake, NC.
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