Timothy Claude Knight

1959 - 2025

Timothy Claude Knight, 66, of Raymond, Mississippi, passed away on August 15, 2025 after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He fought with unwavering courage and grace.

Born on May 10, 1959 to Johnie W. Knight and Loretta Lucille (nee Kelly) in Jackson, Mississippi, Tim, as a precocious little boy was interested in fossils, rocks and Civil War artifacts. His interest in nature would lead him to become a farmer, rancher, and forester.

He attended Carver Elementary School, Raymond High School, and Hinds Community College. During that time he served as president of the Cattlemen's Association, a member of FFA, and president of Circle K. Upon graduation, Tim went to work with the FBI in Jackson for 11 years. But his love for forestry, led him back to school. He graduated from the School of Forestry at Mississippi State University with both a Bachelor's and Master's under his mentor, Dr. Andrew Ezell.

Joining the U.S. Forest Service in 2003, Tim would serve as a forester and district ranger for over 16 years. He began his career working as a trainee on the De Soto National Forest and Delta National Forests. As a silviculturist, he worked on the Conecuh National Forest in south Alabama for two years, then moving to the Ouachita National Forest in 2007 as a timber manager in Jessieville, Arkansas. In 2012, Tim took a chance at serving as a District Ranger and moved to the Modoc National Forest, Alturas, California. In 2015, he moved to the Priest Lake ranger District, Kaniksu National Forest, in northern Idaho where he served as district ranger for 2 years. His final duty station was at the Forest Supervisor's Office for the Deerlodge-Beaverhead National Forest, Dillon, Montana where he retired in 2019.

After retirement Tim focused on his love of carpentry and woodworking, creating furniture and home accents in the Arts and Crafts style he loved. He looked for and tweaked challenging recipes, creating and mastering his cinnamon rolls, appreciated by his family and friends! He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed fly fishing on the Beaverhead River.

Tim is survived by his wife Maria (Nina) of 21 years, daughters Chelsea Patricia (Brock) Sides of Altanta and Macey (Chad) Franklin of Birmingham, and grandson Malachi MaCray. He is also survived by sisters Alicia (Gene) Singleton and Mary Knight of Greeneville, TN and brother Dan (Kala) Knight of Port Mansfield, TX, along with nieces and nephews Russell (Lindsey) Singleton of Philadelphia, MS, Marie (Robert) Testerman of Greeneville, TN, Clarke (Samantha) Knight of Uniontown, PA and JD (Meghan) Knight of Port Mansfield, TX and Abby Knight of Texas. Tim was predeceased by his parents.

He treasured his eight great-nieces and grand-nephews and countless cousins on both his maternal and paternal sides spread across Florida, Mississippi and across the country. Along his life journey he picked up many treasured and loyal friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Holy Savior Catholic Church, Clinton, MS with Father Lincoln Dall officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 11 am to be followed by funeral mass. Burial will take place after the funeral mass at Pine Bluff Cemetery, Dentville, MS.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation online at t2t.org, a cause close to his heart.

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