James Riley "Jim or Jimmy" Knight Jr.

KNIGHT, James Riley Jr., retired dentist and resident of Warsaw, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Johns Hopkins Stanley Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He died at the age of 78, surrounded by family and friends. Dr. Knight was born in Oxford, Mississippi, on December 8, 1931 to James Riley Knight Sr. and Vera Nell Boone Knight. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Lois Knight; daughter, Cary Elizabeth Baird; son, Robert Edwin Knight (Lesa); and daughter, Kathleen Knight Abowitz (Rob); four grandchildren, Megan Grace Knight, William Riley Knight, Madelyn Rose Abowitz and Samuel James Abowitz; his younger sister, Bettye Johnston (Robert); as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dr. Knight enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1950 to pursue pre-dental studies. There he met his future wife, and later graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. He married Mary Lois Gilliam on June 25, 1955 in Union City, Tennessee. He was a commissioned dental officer with the United States Public Health Service at the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota from 1957-59, after which time Dr. and Mrs. Knight relocated to Warsaw to start a dental practice. For over 50 years, Dr. Knight was a dedicated member of the Warsaw community, serving with the Rotary Club, Rappahannock Community College Board, and the Richmond County Republican Party. He volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and at Camp Rainbow, a camp for mentally challenged youth. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Northern Neck Assembly, Masonic Order, and the Skidmore Hunt Club. He was recognized by the Northern Neck Bar Association with the Liberty Bell Award, and by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries from 1973-83. In his retirement he became a Master Gardener. A devoted member of the Warsaw United Methodist Church, Dr. Knight was a man of faith and commitment. He cherished his church and was a dedicated, cheerful servant to the church community. Dr. Knight, known as Jim or Jimmy to friends and family, was blessed with a wealth of friendships throughout his life. His sense of humor, kindness and compassion for others enriched the lives of many. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. The family will receive friends at Welch Funeral Home, Marks Chapel, 10300 Richmond Road, Warsaw, Va., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Services and interment will be held at Warsaw United Methodist Church at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 28. A reception will follow at the home.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.