Mr. Steve "Axel" McKnight

Mr. Axel "Steve" McKnight, 69, passed away on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, surrounded by his two beloved children. Steve was born in Germany but lived most of his life in the Rock Hill area. Steve is survived by his son Stephen McKnight; daughter-in-law, Morgan, and grandchildren Graham (14) and Georgia (12); his daughter Stephanie McKnight Thompkins; son-in-law, Brent, and grandchildren Belle (13) and Marie (11). He is also survived by his former wife, Teresa Blackmon. A gifted mechanic, Steve spent nearly his entire career servicing high-tech embroidery machines. As his proficiency and network grew, he established "McKnight Technologies" and consulted with many large and small embroidery businesses across the Southeast. Later in his career he enjoyed working for a local beer distribution company and took pride stocking beer fridges across myriad York County grocery stores. Steve was a man of many interests and passions. Steve loved all things hot and spicy and had on many occasions made wings so hot that only he and his children (who inherited his love for spice) could consume. Steve had a "green thumb" and it was not a surprise to come home and find something new such as a pineapple growing from a leftover pineapple top, a rosemary bush that now grows out of control because it has done so well, or to find that he had trimmed the palmetto trees in your backyard simply because he loved them so. He loved the Minnesota Vikings and he, his son, grandson and daughter all cheered them on. His musical tastes varied as much as his interests. You might find him listening to classic rock, music from the Nutcracker (which he loved due to his daughter's passion for ballet) or techno (which his son enjoyed) while playing his favorite game of backgammon. He loved animals and his kid's pets; especially dog-sitting and feeding them treats he was repeatedly told not to do. Finally and most importantly, he loved his daughter, son and grandchildren immensely, all of whom made him so very proud. Steve will be sorely missed, but Steve is now free from pain and at peace with his Lord whom he knew well. He is preceded in death by his late parents, Donald and Ingrid McKnight. The family will have a private Celebration of his Life with special family and friends.