John Wesley Knighting

John Wesley Knighting John Wesley Knighting, 82, of Madison, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

He was born on April 1, 1924, in Syria, Virginia, to the late Luther Wilson and Dollie Ryder Knighting. He was also preceded in death by his son, Larry W. Knighting; a sister, Elizabeth K. Baker; and three brothers, Shirley, Homer and Kendall Knighting.

John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy Hawkins Knighting; his four daughters, Judy K. Partlow and her husband, Doug, of Reva, Stephanie B. Dudley and her husband, Tom, of Charlottesville, Linda Knighting, and Lenora K. Racer and her husband, Barry, of Madison; and four grandchildren, Dustin Tharp, Jeffrey Dudley, Mary Catherine Dudley and Gavin Racer. He is also survived by a brother, L.J. Knighting of Orange; three sisters, Eleanor K. Aylor of Grand Island, New York, Joyce K. Haney of Lake Monticello, Marie Knighting of Madison; his mother-in-law, Linda D. Hawkins of Madison; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Family was the love of his life and he always thought of them first. He was a member of Thoroughfare Bible Church for over 30 years.

John was a contractor who built many houses in Madison, Culpeper, and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. He took great pride in his work and was very talented in drawing his own construction plans, laying stone, restoration and woodworking.

He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War.

The family would like to thank all family members and friends who have been supportive during John's long battle with Parkinson's disease. Thanks to Viola Yoder who provided care for John in the beginning of his illness. We wish to thank Mary Carter for her devotion and the wonderful care given to John the last three and years. His life was extended in part because of her love and care for him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison conducted by Pastor Michael Vaughn and Pastor Wayne Thompson. Interment will be held at Criglersville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2011, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Rapidan, P.O. Box 1715, Culpeper, VA 22701.




This obituary was originally published in the Culpeper StarExponent.