Ray Clifton Knight

Ray Clifton Knight Jr. was born in Searcy, Arkansas to Ray Clifton Knight Sr. and Alma Epperson Knight on February 15, 1943. He was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas and attended Joe T. Robinson High School. He was drafted into the US Army on January 8th of 1965. 

Ray met Patricia (Pat) Martin in late 1965 in the hospital where she was a student nurse. Ray was visiting his uncle, who happened to be Pat’s first patient. With the encouragement and match-making manipulation of Ray’s uncle, he wrote to Pat, and they corresponded to each other by mail while he was stationed in Hawaii. Ray was serving as a crew chief on helicopters. When he came home on leave Ray and Pat dated for a short period of time. They fell in love and decided to elope and were married on January 8 th of 1966. After one year in Hawaii and three months of marriage, Ray was called up for duty in Vietnam. Once again, their love for each other was sustained by the letters they wrote to one other. Thankfully Ray completed his tour of duty and was able to return home on December 26th, 1966. For 58 years they lived and loved each other while raising three children; Sharon, Thomas, and Jennifer.

After serving his country, Ray worked for Pirelli-Armstrong for 23 and a half years. Then, he became self-employed until his retirement. For many years Ray was the choir director of Redfield Baptist Church. While retired they both traveled to many beautiful destinations like Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and Panama. 

In 2011 Ray and Pat pulled up the stakes and moved to Texas. Eventually settling in Mission at the Aladdin Villas. Fostering his love of music, Ray enjoyed sing all types of music from Christian to rock-in-roll, especially Evis’ music. He earned the title of the pool “DJ” in Aladdin Villas. He loved to dance, and he never met a stranger. He took great joy in life and was known to all as a big “Teddy Bear.” He also gave great teddy bear hugs. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Ray Sr. and Alma Knight, and his two daughters, Sharon Lynn Knight, and Jennifer Ann Knight (Burnett).

He is survived by his wife Patricia Martin Knight, his son, Thomas Wayne Knight and his wife Kristin and family, two grandsons, Noah Eric Burnett and Dylan Thomas Burnett and his wife Mary.

Ray was the love of Pat’s life. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. The Lord called him home on June 15th, 2024.