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Keith Knighten Obituary
Asheville - Robert Keith Knighten, 31, of Asheville passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 22, 2011.
Mr. Knighten was born February 15, 1980 in Buncombe County where he had lived all of his life. He was a member of Trinity of Fairview Church. Keith was active in Access ministry to build risers for church pulpits and stages and with weekly church youth engagement activities. Over the last few years, Keith was active in the singles ministry at Biltmore Baptist Church; worked with West Asheville Baptist Church, Grassy Branch Baptist Church, Mills Gap Church, Trinity of Fairview and others. Keith was a licensed minister. He was a graduate of AC Reynolds High School and an employee of Lifeway Christian Bookstore and volunteer of 106.9 the Light.
He is survived by his mother, Angela Cole Gillison and husband, Greg of Morganton; father, Ron Knighten and wife, Alice of Asheville; stepbrothers, Carson Gasperson and wife, Sarah of Asheville and Garrett Gillison of Morganton; stepsister, Maggie Gillison of Morganton and grandmother, Sandra Williams of Asheville.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10:00 am in Trinity of Fairview Church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends following the service at the church up until 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity of Fairview Youth Group, 646 Concorde Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732.
Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, 828-669-2977.
www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Knighten
Adrienne Cain Williams
February 26, 2023
Remembering Keith and his kindness today. What a gift to have known him. You're missed!
Gail J Guy
March 20, 2019
Still remembering Keith's excitement for the Lord and singing in the choir. As others have said he is no longer in that wheel chair but walking and talking with Jesus in glory. My husband Glenn joined Keith in heaven 2 yrs ago and I can imaging both of them now free from the pains and sufferings here and just worshiping and singing in that heavenly choir. I pray for peace for all of Keith's family and friends as he is remembered here but also as he is remembered every day. Gail Guy
Cari Goree
April 5, 2011
To Keith's Family
I am a teacher at AC Reynolds High School and I just wanted you to know that I remember Keith so fondly. He was always happy to help and always very active in school. He is remembered.
Please know you are in our prayers.
Susan Mathis
March 29, 2011
Ron, I'm so sorry for your loss. Remember, Keith is really happy helping out so many. Looking down on all of us. Laughing, walking and looking forward to seeing us one day. You and your family are in my prayers.
March 27, 2011
Ron, I am so sorry for your familys loss. But what a shinning example he was to all who knew and loved him! Please Know you are in our prayers. David Parker Fletcher,NC
Joy Elliott Parton
March 27, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Sheri and Wyndel Watson
March 26, 2011
Angela,
How to find the words to comfort a mother who has lost her only son. I just know that as a mother, my heart is breaking for you....it is not supposed to be this way, but God saw that heaven would be enriched with Keith. It is evident that he was loved by and inspired so many. I wish I had known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love,Sheri
March 26, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Glenda Slagle
March 25, 2011
I am so saddened by your loss. You all are in my Prayers.
Natalie and Juan
March 25, 2011
May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You will be in our prayers!
Mark Cline
March 25, 2011
Angela, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Harry Taylor
March 25, 2011
A real soldier of the Cross, Keith will greatly be missed.
March 25, 2011
Keith always greeted me with a smile and a sincere interest in how I was doing personally and in the ministry. He seemed full of energy and ways for serving our Lord Jesus. I will miss Him. Your family is in our prayers.
Roger Rearden, Arden, NC (Long Shoals Baptist)
Rick Bailey
March 25, 2011
Angela,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. It certainly sounds like your son was an inspiration to all who met and knew him. My prayers are with you.
Joe and Linda Davis
March 24, 2011
Keith was an inspiration to those priviledged to know him. Heaven's gain is our loss; however, we shall see him again on that great resurrection day. We express our condolences to his family and friends.
March 24, 2011
Remember well the frist time me and my son Jerry met you.You pushed your wheelchair all around the Greenway Park walking trail in Morganton and my son drove his electric wheelchair. I'll always remember your smile and determination to be so independent.Was so glad to hear how GOD was able to use you in his minstry.May we all look at your life as an example of how we should serve our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST each and ever day.WE'LL meet agine in heaven some day. Your family is in our PRAYS. Janice & Roy Collins and Jerry Sharpe Morganton N.C.
Amy Croom
March 24, 2011
Angela,
I'm so sorry for your loss and sorry that I never got to meet Keith. I know how proud and blessed you were to have such a wonderful young man as your son. He has clearly inspired many through his faith and service. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Ernie & Peggy Myers
March 24, 2011
Keith always had a smile for anyone and everyone and had a truly loving spirit. He will be missed greatly. Take comfort in knowing that now everyone has a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Butch Laughter
March 24, 2011
God gained another Angel, Keith, when He called you Home. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time of loss.
Donna Smith
March 24, 2011
Keith served the Lord with his whole being and his smile warmed even the coldest hearts. I loved to watch him worship his heavenly father. He never saw a stranger and loved everyone he came in contact with. I will miss him very much. Donna
Mark Tiller
March 24, 2011
My wife and I just talked with Keith last Saturday at Lifeway. We were catching-up on old times and discussing each of our ministries. We told Keith we would be back this Saturday to exchange business cards and other info. LIFE is SHORT and CHRIST is COMING BACK.....SOON!!! I know Keith was ready for Heaven....I pray everybody that reads this is ready to meet GOD, too!
I know Heaven's Choir began to sing as Keith entered through those Gates of Pearl: 'Welcome to Heaven, My Child.....you have run the race......you have keep the Faith.......Welcome to Heaven, My Child'! You will be missed here on earth but WE WILL be joining you one day...in HEAVEN!!! Mark and Ann Tiller
March 24, 2011
Jesus said " i go to prepair you a mansion...." You will be truely missed but you will be in a far better place. Joey and Renee Reynolds
Sara Disher
March 24, 2011
I will never forget when I first met you...and how impressed I always was with your relentless optimism. You always had a positive word of encouragement and a smile for anyone you came in contact with. Keith, your faith was unwavering, and you were an amazing example of how a Christian, relying on God can overcome anything. I feel truly blessed to have had you as a friend, and I can't wait to see you again.
~ Disher
Cindie Mills
March 24, 2011
I can honestly say that Keith was one of the most amazing, caring and giving people I have ever met on this earth. Our loss is heaven's gain. I will miss him so much.
March 24, 2011
Keith, we will miss you terribly; but are glad you are now home with our Lord finally free to dance to His song. See you there later. The Babcocks
Ray & Cindy Webb
March 24, 2011
Keith now has a glorified body so perfect he can look on the face of God and all His Glory. We look forward to joinging him, and praising our Savior together forever someday.
March 24, 2011
Keith, my son, you told me a short time ago that "heaven has no wheelchairs". I can see you now, walking with the lord and dancing in his light. You were a good tennis player on earth and I'll just bet you are running on the court now and singing in the choir. I knew you special when you were born! Love, Mom
March 24, 2011
Keith was a blessing to all of us who witnessed his love and joy for the Lord. It was a joy for us to see him singing in the choir at Trinity. He always had a smile on his face and ever ready to give a word of encouragement to those around him. Glenn and I feel blessed to have had him in our lives at Trinity. We will miss him but rejoice that one day we will see him again. Now he is singing in the heavenly choir. Our prayers for all the family who will miss him so much here but look with the assurance of Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ as he did to be together again. Glenn and Gail Guy
Pamela Whitted
March 24, 2011
Alice and Ron, I am at a loss for words except my prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family! May God give you the peace you need to hold on to. Much Love.
Bruce and Rachel Jensen
March 24, 2011
Keith was a bright spot in our dark world. Our entire community will miss this outstanding man who reflected the LORD's love.
Elizabeth Shook (Rogers)
March 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Peoples
March 24, 2011
Words cannot express how this true man of God has been a blessing in both my life and the lives of my family. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to serve his Lord. He will be truly missed here on earth but our loss is heavens gain. I know Keith got to hear the words enter in thy good and faithful servant. I will be praying for your family in the days ahead.
Bill Bishop
March 24, 2011
Several years ago Keith first impressed and encouraged me with his willingness (heart) and remarkable ability to help lead and teach the 5th and 6th grade boys of the Awana Pioneers at West Asheville Baptist Church. Since then, I have enjoyed seeing him from time to time at Lifway Christian Bookstore and "catching up". I will miss him... for now... "catch you later Keith"!
Lena Burns Richards
March 24, 2011
Keith was an inspiration for his optimism, faith and positive spirit. He will certainly be missed.
Debbie & Gary Smith
March 24, 2011
A beautiful life to celebrate. A very special young man with a love for God that inspired us all. Praying for you all in the days ahead.
March 24, 2011
Keith was an inspiration to Robert and I. We loved seeing him sing in the choir at Trinity. He always had an encouraging word when I saw him at Lifeway. We look forward to celebrating with him in Heaven one day. Sharon and Robert Dalton
ryan marsh
March 23, 2011
Keith was a good person that would do whatever he could to help someone. He will be missed but not forgoten.
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