Robert Franklin Knight

Robert Franklin Knight, 89, passed from this life to his heavenly home peacefully on October 30, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

Born on February 21, 1935, to the late William Knight and Pearl Edwards Knight Messer. He is also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Byron Mallory; along with two brothers and seven sisters. 

Bob enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17. He loved the Army life and saw it as an opportunity to make a better life for he and his family. He was forever thankful for the opportunities the Army provided him to improve and educate himself and to see so much of the world, make many friends, and meet many interesting people of all cultures. He excelled in the enlisted ranks and then was accepted into flight school. He served in many stateside and overseas assignments including three tours in Vietnam. He earned numerous medals and awards. After retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3), Bob taught young Army aviation students to fly at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was Flight Commander of Flight 1 and was admired and respected by his Instructor Pilots and students. He had a lasting impact on so many lives throughout his career and his personal life. He never met a stranger and was loved by so many for his wit and humor, his never-ending stories that he loved to tell over and over, his deep love for all people especially babies and little children, his never-ending strength and optimism. Everybody loved Bob.

Bob had a passion for his flowers. He found joy in spending time outside whether it was sitting watching the birds, or cars going by, getting fresh air or working in his flowers. Bob was strong in his Christian faith and was a member of Hartsville Pike Church of Christ.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 39 years, Linda Mallory Knight. Two daughters; Jackie (Tony) Stiles, Trisa (Bryan) Rathbone, Five sons; Roger (Rosie) Knight, Al (Jennifer) Knight, Doug (Helen) Knight, Kevin (Leanne) Snell, Bill (Beth) Knight. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren; along with sixteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; mother-in-law, Zelmodean Mallory; a sister, Blanche Evans (Richard); and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Harstville Pike Church of Christ, 744 Harstville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at the church, with Minister Doyle Farris & Minister Joey Pettis Officiating with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be rendered after the service at Crestview Memory Gardens, 1623 Hwy 109 N. Gallatin, TN 37066, with Pastor Tony Stiles officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers are: Jason Knight, Kyle Knight, Rusty Stiles, Mason Snell, Mike Dixon, Austin Knight. Honorary pallbearers are: Brent Rathbone, Noah Sharpe, Jake Lisenby, Matthew Walters.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in Bob’s honor to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675

The care of Mr. Knight has been entrusted by Crestview Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, Gallatin, TN.