Ray Franklin Knight

     Ray Franklin Knight, 92, was born on September 22, 1933 and left this world on December 5, 2025. Ray was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Shortly after birth, he was adopted by Emlia and Spurgen Knight. Ray always spoke fondly of his childhood, reminiscing about his mother’s baked pies and times spent with his horse and dogs. Ray enlisted in the Navy and served on a naval ship in the Korean War. Always proud to have served his country, Ray was known to tell stories of his time overseas and was a member of the Zwolle-Ebarb VFW Post 5187.    

     After his time in the service, Ray came back home to the States, settling in Doniphan, Missouri, where he met his bride, Barbara. The two married in 1956 and welcomed two sons over the next five years. Ray spent his working career in different fields, from the oil and gas industry to managing various Nickerson Farms locations. This work took him and his family all over the central United States, including Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Indiana.

     Ray and Barbara retired to Toledo Bend in 2001 after spending many weekends and vacations catching hundreds of fish and making even more memories. Ray spent his time woodworking, tending to his massive garden, reading, and soaking up time with his grandchildren and pets.

     Ray is preceded in death by his biological and adopted parents, Emlia and Spurgen Knight, and his sister, Joy Pickett. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara, of Many, LA; sons, Larry (Dana) of Springfield, MO, and Jim (Angela) of Many, LA; grandchildren, Dallas (Tiffany), Ariahna, Savannah, Heidi (Cale), and Haydn, along with eight great-grandchildren, including his newest, whom he was so proud of, Jonathan Case “JC” Pilcher.

     A private memorial for the family will be held at a later time.