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Bobby Knight Obituary

KNIGHT, Bobby F. Giving honor and praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who allowed Bobby F. Knight, on this earth for 79 years. Bobby is the son of the late John Henry Knight and Ola Hayden Knight. Bobby was born in Hartford on April 4, 1929. He departed this life on Thursday (May 23, 2008). He resided in Springfield, MA for the last 35 years. Mr. Knight leaves to mourn his passing, his children Kelvin Andrade and wife, Maria, Tammy Andrade, Mark (Mec-El Sharif) Ellison, Shawn Ellison and Mark and Michelle Jennings. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Ruby Hill Knight. Bobby was predeceased by his brothers, Vecey, Melvin and Morris Knight and sister Essie Knight. Bobby will also be missed by neices, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the many, many close friends, especially, The Breakfast Club, who meet every Tuesday at The Cracker Barrel in Enfield. Upon his request and much to our regret, his past achievements and endeavors will not be disclosed. Those of you who knew Bobby will understand this. We, the family, will honor this request. There will be a Memorial service Friday, May 30 beginning at 10 a.m., at Phillips Metropolitan CME Church, 2500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120. Exit 34 of I-91. (860)246-0049. Arrangements made through Clark, Bell & Bell Funeral Home 319 Barbour Street, Hartford, CT. (860)247-8793. Another Memorial Service will be Held in Springfield, MA June15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Basketball Hall Of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105. (413)781-6500.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant from May 29 to May 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Knight

Not sure what to say?





Tom Oakley Springfield, MA

June 16, 2022

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Bobby. I was a basketball teammate of Bobby on several teams. With all of his celebrity he was always humble and respectful. He was great basketball player but a greater human being. I loved bobby and I will never, never forget him.

Jordan Pearl

May 23, 2009

It has been one year. We still speak about you as if you were still here. I guess you always will be. Love and miss you.

Lynne Elaine Adams

June 26, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the Knight family. My memories of Bobby go back over 40 years. He taught my mom Jessie Harvey to play tennis after a tragic accident, she was told she would never walk again. Well Bobby told her put the crutches down and she went on to play for over 30 years.
I can still hear his deep funny laugh on the keney park tennis courts always being kind and helpful to everyone,May your soul rest in peace Bobby Knight.

Johnny M. Wilson

June 14, 2008

Blesses to the Bobby F. Knight Family

Pastor and Mrs. Johnny M. Wilson Jr.

Leslie Thomas

June 10, 2008

To the Knight family,I am so sorry for your lose.Bobby was a good friend to me.When I first came to Hartford,he took me under his wings,and showed me the ropes.He had a great sense of humor,was a very good man.I will miss him.

Milton Johns

June 7, 2008

To the Knight family. I am truly sorry for your loss. It's really a loss for everyone. Bobby made me want to play bball. He was the best and is deeply missed. I know God was happy to get him on his team.

Richard Mills

June 6, 2008

To the Knight family,
We are sorry for your loss and we send our condolences. Uncle Knight was and will always be a shining star. His deeds for the childen of local communities and beyond will be remembered.

Mills family

Melinda Murphy

June 6, 2008

I want to send my condolences to your family. Mr. Knight was a blessing from heaven and I thank you and your family for lending this blessing to the Murphy Family. As young ladies he inspired us to reach for our goals and reach for the highet star. He would say to me " leave that girl alone she is going to make it shall do it on her time" and he was right I' am doing it on my time. I will greatly miss him he was like the grandfather I never had and I know that he's in heaven watching over all he touched. To his children you had a Father that everyone loved no matter who talk to him he put positive energy in there hearts and minds. God bless and keep to the sky cause god called home a Angel that was in the form of Mr. Bobby Knight who I know did what he had to do. Love you Mr Knight and I will truly miss your advice and laughs and you are my blessing from heaven.

james folston

June 5, 2008

To Mr.Bobby Knight family and all his friends.I miss you now and always,cause you use to tell me that Folston you can not rest while I am here,you have to be ready all the time and when ever I would go to the Y.M.C.A. or the play grounds Mr. Knight was there and ready to go at it and you never left without him pounding you or telling you I do this to you all day.yOU KNOW WHAT HE DID IT TO YOU ALL DAY BUT IT MADE YOU A MAN AND YOU ALSO HAD RESPECT FOR HIM CAUSE HE EARNED IT.Bobby as you use to tell us to call you,I will miss you but I know you somewhere out there just waiting for another chance to play what you always love and you would teach it right now if you could,the Game of basketball.You are still the Greatest I ever played in my life time.I could go on forever but I will just say thank you jesus for the time and the pleasure of meeting Mr.Knight.I will pray for all the family of this Great man and to GOD be the glory.

Janis Harmon-Jordan

June 4, 2008

Bobby Knight, the man of sincere kindness, contagious laughter, extraordinary wisdom, and a compelling spirit is now calling heaven his home! I can see him sitting on a cloud with a basketball tucked under his arm and that big, stellar smile on his face. I thank God for having known one of His angels.

Charisse Jernigan-Pamphile

June 3, 2008

Bobby was just so Loving and funny! What a great talker, but a better listener!

Thanks for sharing him with the World.

Love,

Thomas Jehad

June 3, 2008

Bobby Knight has given so much, to so many, for so long. kahlil Gibran said it best "you give but little when you give of your possessions. it is when you give of yourself that you truly give". Bobby knight GAVE IT All, I shell love, honor and Cherish the memory All the days of my life.

Dorene Mcgriff-Myrick

June 3, 2008

To Morris Knight,family and friends our prayers and symphathy our with you,god bless you all.

Bonnie Kidwell

June 2, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. God Bless.
Bonnie, Kevin, Jr., Kerey and Kellie.

Frederick Anthony Burton

June 2, 2008

I would like to take this opportunity to bestow my condolences to the family. Mr. Knight is an basketball icon in Conn and MA. It truly was a pleasure knowing him as well as playing with him (although he was older than me, he always made me give my best efforts). My thoughts and prayers go out to all!!!!!

Bob Countryman

June 2, 2008

To the Knight Family
It was my duty and pleasure to attend the Bobby Knight Homegoing Celebration. Bobby left an indeligible imprint on me and many of my peers growing up in Bellevue Square and in the entire Northend of Hartford. I was so pleased to see the great number of people who came to share their experiences, stories, and love for Bobby.

Rest in Peace, Bobby

Bob Countryman

Michele Lewis

June 1, 2008

Our symphathy goes out the entire Knight family, Bobby will truely be remember thru out the city of Hartford and many more places. God Bless

Eddie Anderson

June 1, 2008

To the family of Mr. Bobby Knight: I'm sending my sincerest condlences for your recent loss of your loved one, and my friend. He's forever in my memories with his countless stories and the lessons shared with me for the Springfield MAgic Basketball Club, and other associated youths with our program. Mr. Knight, you'll be missed...but NEVER forgotten! Eddie Anderson, Co-Founder, Springfield MAgic Basketball Club

MR. WALTER LOCKWOOD

May 31, 2008

BOBBY WILL ALWALYS BE REMBER AS A 12 MIDNIGHT PLAYER IN BELLEVQUE SQUARE PLAYGROUND HE WAS KEEPING PEOPLE UP BUT IT WAS FOR A GOOD REASON, GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY

Joanne(Cousin) Williams(Dot&Shorty)dau

May 31, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bill Hogan

May 31, 2008

Bobby was the "coolest" guy ..... I can't believe I still remember this, but some 45 years ago on a steamy, hot summer day at Hartford's Pope Park, my pals and I were shooting hoops, when Bobby stopped by in his Hood Dairy Truck. Watching our game, he told us the only way to improve was to play against the better talent with kids at Charter Oak Terrace. Too hot to walk there, Bobby put the 3 of us in the back of the Dairy Truck, ice cold and loaded with ice cream. We rambled over to the Terrace bouncing around in the truck's freezer all the while breaking into the boxes of Hood ice cream bars. What a sight to the kids at Charter Oak as Bobby opened the heavy freezer doors and the 3 of us bounded out to the hot court still chilled from our ride and sticky from the ice cream. Thanks for the memories and a great ride Bobby.

Jordan Pearl

May 31, 2008

To all who participated and attended my Uncle Bobby's memorial service, THANK YOU! Your shared memories and laughter made the sun shine brighter than it already was. To all who leave condolences, THANK YOU!! It is so comforting to know Uncle will live on all over the world. God Bless you all.

Clifford Thornton

May 31, 2008

Good luck Bobby. Thanks for memories.

Lolo Brown

May 30, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the Knight family. Delores Allen and Family (Lolo Brown)

YANETTE LOWE

May 30, 2008

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE ENTIRE KNIGHT AND ANDRES FAMILY IN YOUR TIME IN NEED. MICHELLE BE STRONG. LOVE YOU MUCH

David Hardrick

May 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ronald Davis

May 30, 2008

I am very sad to hear about the loss of a very Great Man, Bobby Knoght. I known of him ever since I was a child running around my mom's house. Bobby would come by, and visit, and bring donuts over for us kids, and he use to run ball with my Uncle Charle. They called him Tubs His name was Charles Thompson. So when I saw this it was a big shock to me. So Family God Bless You All, and in Jesus Name. Love to you all.

Ellen Nurse

May 30, 2008

To the Knight Family and especially Daisy. I wa sorry to hear about Bobby passing. He was such a wonderful person and will be truly miss. I can not thank him enough for all of the Hoods ice cream I ate. Thank You Bobby. And now play for the greatest coach of all our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Maria D Quiles

May 30, 2008

I will miss your laughter and smiles. You truley will be missed.

Diane Trotman

May 30, 2008

To the Knight Family,
I remember Bobby from his visits to my parents going back to the 60's. He was an unassuming man with a big heart and an even bigger smile. In 2000 my mother was in a nursing home due to Alzheimer’s. She would tell me Bobby had come to see her. I was skeptical until one day I showed up early and there he was and he had her laughing about the old days. I hadn't seen him in years but that smile was still there. Thanks Bobby. Heaven has a new Star.

lorrie williams-Bey

May 30, 2008

A gentle wind blew cross the land
Reaching out to take a hand
for on the the winds the angles came
calling out a fathers' name.

Left behind, the children's tears
Loving memoires of the years
of joy and love, a life well spent
And now to God a father's sent.
On angel's wings, a heavenly flight
The jouney home, towards the light
To those who weep, a life is gone
But in God's love 'tis but the dawn.

love, Lorrie Williams-bey & family

Courtney James

May 30, 2008

To the Knight Family,
I know Mr. Knight for about 3 years or so during this time we have spoken on about many things such as basketball among others and Its heartbreaking to loose such a valuable person.It was an honor to know Mr Bobby Knight.

East hartford Pratt club member

Sophia King

May 30, 2008

What a blessing to be graced by the smile and laughter of my Veteran, Bobby Knight. It was my honor to care for him at our Springfield VA-although HE was the one who cared for me, for the children of this city,for fellow Veterans and so many. A mighty man is going home. May his spirit and work live on.

Sonny Bailey

May 30, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the family in your time of sadness. May you take comfort in all the treasured memories you have forever.
Bobby was truly one of the good guys, who during his life touched others deeply. He will be missed but always remembered.

Shirley Amos-Crooms

May 30, 2008

To the Knight family, you have my deepest sympathy and may GOD be a blessing to you at this difficult time in your life. It has been both my honor and pleasure to have met and learned from such a wonderful person as Mr. Bobby Knight. I thank you family for allowing him to share his warm spirit.

Sue Roch

May 30, 2008

Bobby, keep the ball rollin!!!!!. No matter where you are you are in our hearts and prayers. Jeff, Michael, and Bryan. Sue Roch's Family

Sue Roch

May 30, 2008

Bobby, keep the ball rollin!!!!!. No matter where you are you are in our hearts and prayers. Jeff and Bryan-Sue Roch's family

ANNETTE KING

May 30, 2008

I WILL MISS YOUR WONDERFUL COMMENTS ABOUT MY HAIR YOU ARE THE BEST

Maxine Clark

May 30, 2008

Bobby,you will always be my "KING"

Sue Roch

May 30, 2008

Forever will be loved,never forgotten.

Andrew Clark

May 30, 2008

Shawn and Mark,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I remember him sitting in the corner of the stands, watching you guys play ball at FHS. Hope you and your families are both well. I certainly miss the times playing ball together and hanging out together at FHS and otherwise. Your easy demeanors, sense of humor and kindness must certainly be a reflection of your father.

Take care,
Andrew

Gary McCarthy

May 30, 2008

To the Knight family, on behalf of the Staff, Alumni, Board of Directors and especially the Member of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club we extend our deepest sympathy. Bobby was a good friend to all of us and great roll modle for our members; He will be missed and fondly remembered.

Kimbery and Dorren Rennis

May 30, 2008

To the Knight Family, We are sorry to hear of such a great lost. He was such an inspiration to my son and I. I only knew him for a breif time but it was well worth it. He always had some encouraging words to say to us and for that, we will be forever grateful. God bless you Mr Knight, you are now at peace.

Irene (Myers)Baisden

May 30, 2008

To Tammy and the Knight family,
May our God comfort you during your time of bereavement. You are in my prayers.

Tyrone Bowman

May 30, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Miguel F. King Jr.

May 30, 2008

To: The Knight Family, May God continue to bless your family for your loss! Bobby will be miss by many people. I thank Bobby for the fond memories he left me with. Mr. Bobby F. Knight has been a truly inspiration in my life. I also will always cherish the keney park days and those hot summer days he made sure every kid and adults on mansfield street had some ice cream .[Smile] Thank you for your humbleness and love you have show everyone you came in contact with! I will always love and cherish his friendships he gave to my family and me. Thank You Mr. Bobby F. Knight Love Ya ! Miguel F. King Jr.

Clarence Baynes Jr.

May 30, 2008

My heartfelt sympathies goes out to Bobby's family. I remember so vividly growing up and hearing about the distant cousin who's basketball skills were so stellar. In those days we did not have much in Bellevue Square but we were happy. GOD Bless.

Miguel F. King Jr.

May 29, 2008

To: The Knight Family, May God be with you during your loss! Yes Bobby Knight will truly be miss. I thank God for growing up and knowing Bobby Knight who has truly been a true friend and a inspiration in my life. I thank you for the fond memories you left me with. I will always cherish those very hot summer he made sure every kid and adults on mansfield street had some ice cream from his truck on those hot days. [Smile] Thank You for your humbleness and love you have show everyone you came in contact with! I will always love and cherish his friendship he gave to my family and me. Thank You Mr. Bobby F. Knight Love Ya ! Miguel F King Jr.

Jackie Bethea

May 29, 2008

Mark & Shawn,
I'm very sorry for your loss, everyone always ask me who started me on loving the game and I always say it was your father, started with me keeping score then talking me into playing! I will miss the talks whenever we saw each other, will always remember the arguements we would have over you two playing at Farmington. A good man has left us, but left us two great sons to carry on! Love you both always have and always will !

Dr. Haskell Kennedy Jr.

May 29, 2008

To the Knight Family: Bobby has been "drafted # 1" for the Lord's Team. We will miss him dearly, may he rest in peace.

Hy Evans

May 29, 2008

To the Knight Family.
May God's grace and comfort be with the family during the loss of a gifted man who brought unexpressable joy and basketball knowledge to many generations.

Coach Hy Evans
Lewis Fox Middle School and the Graduates Basketball Teams

Paul Miller

May 29, 2008

...He said, "I don't know if you remember me but my name is Bobby Knight"...After over fifty years, the only man I ever looked up to remember me, what a GOD send

Mimi Williams-Bey Jackson

May 29, 2008

Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. His commitment to visit my father (Samuel Williams-Bey ) will be missed, in which they shared memories of the good old times and had lots of good laughs.

The Williams-Bey Family

Shirlette Chambers

May 29, 2008

Coach Mec-El and all the Knight famly - we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

Coach Chambers & CT Roughriders U15 Girl's AAU Basketball team.

Victoria (King) Iverson

May 29, 2008

In a world where role models are few and far between....The name Bobby Knight always comes to mind.
Our deepest and heart felt sympathy.

Charlotte Abrams

May 29, 2008

Mark, Shawn, Kathleen, and family of Bobby Knight -

May the love of God sustain you during this difficult time. I remember Bobby's smile and quiet ways and trust he is resting in the Lord.

Love,
Charlotte Ann Abrams

JOHN, STEVEN AND STEPHANIE WATERMAN and FAMILY

May 29, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Irene Menefee

May 29, 2008

Kelvin and Tammy ,and all the knight family our prayes are with you,but know that in God there is always comfort.Love Mae and Pat Menefee.

Jesse Campbell

May 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Arnena S. Payne

May 29, 2008

With heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time, I pray that the family find comfort in thoughts of pleasant memories of your loved one. Be strong and keep the faith while understanding that there is more to life than what's here on earth.

Patty Williams-Epps

May 29, 2008

We all will miss Bobby greatly.Our memories go all the way back to Mansfield St.Those times will never be forgotten.We love you and God bless you. the Williams,Jackson and Bradwell Families

Patricia and Al Coleman

May 29, 2008

Another Hartford legend gone. Rest in peace our friend.

Norman Bailey

May 29, 2008

On behalf of the Bailey/Copes Family I send you my deepest sympathy. Mr Knight played a part in the growth/developement of so many people. May the comfort of GOD keep you during this difficult time.

Fernan & Pam McGee

May 29, 2008

Dear Family

Prays are with you at this time of sorrow.
God Bless

Jos. Jackson

May 29, 2008

Knight family;
'
Peace be still...
'
JJax

Cliff Bowen

May 29, 2008

The world famous Hook-Shot still lives in Keney Park. A great man and family friend. Peace. The Bowen and Doran family.

Arlene Canty

May 29, 2008

To the Knight family,
We send our heartfelt to you all at this time of sorrow, Mr. Bobby will truly be remember by Bellevue Square and Sands for showing them the art of playing basketball. He lived a good life. May God comfort your hearts and give you peace and knowing that his all right now. Love Willean Canty & family

ruby knight

May 29, 2008

my heart go's out to my family bobby will be missed we had a lot of great time threw out the year i appreciated bobby he was a great bother in law he always made time to come and visit or called i will miss him love your sister in law ruby hill knight.

Rev. Curley B. Ross, Jr.

May 29, 2008

My prayers goes out to you the family, may God strengthen and keep you that his memories live in you God bless and keep you

Lisa Chambers Williams

May 29, 2008

Mr. Knight

I will miss you deeply. Your smile and your laughter will forever remain in my heart.

CLARENCE COUNTRYMAN

May 29, 2008

65 YEARS OF PLAYGROUND MEMORIES!

DURING OCTOBER 2002, I DROVE BOBBY KNIGHT AND ROBERT "SUBWAY" LEWIS TO THE FIRST ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND. AT THAT TIME I REMINDED BOBBY THAT HE USED TO MAKE THE BOYS ON THE PLAYGROUND PICK A TEAM OF FIVE BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO PLAY AGAINST THE OTHER TEAM: BOBBY KNIGHT! THE FIVE ALWAYS LOST! I SAID, " BOBBY, AFTER ALL THESE MANY YEARS, I STILL CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO FORGIVE YOU." BOBBY JUST LAUGHED AND GRINNED WRYLY!
BRO. CLARENCE "SONNY" COUNTRYMAN (77)
ROCKY HILL, CONNECTICUT

paulette knight

May 29, 2008

my sympathy go's out to my family we lost a great man he touched my heart in many ways as and uncle and friend i will miss him i will never forget the good time i had with my uncle bobby love you always your niece paulette.

The Hardricks ,MA,MD,

May 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Phyllis McMeans

May 29, 2008

A True Legend has left us to continue his great work by expending all of his energy on serving the Lord! His humbleness can teach us all to understand that our reward is not here on earth, but in heaven, and the reward is oh so much sweeter. We will miss you my brother, you have done your work well, enjoy your reward!
With much respect!

Sincerely,

Minister Phyllis McMeans
Hopewell Baptist Church
Windsor, CT

Kenneth Brockman

May 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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