Thomas Alexander McKnight, Sr. passed away on February 13, 2024, at his home in Chesapeake, Va. Born in Dayton, Alabama on November 15, 1942, he was preceded in death by his cherished parents, Miriam Louise Gaines McKnight and Stewart Davidson McKnight, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Maureen Christina Glynn McKnight (Chris); his sons William Scott McKnight, wife Jordan and grandson Robert Camp McKnight of Vilas, N.C, Thomas Alexander McKnight, Jr., wife Katherine and grandchildren Lawson Moore, Alice Louise and William Adams of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jonathan Claiborne Hamlet and wife Rachel Sharrow of Washington, D.C.,

He is also survived by three very close brothers and sisters-in-law Stewart Davidson and Corra McKnight of Alexandria, VA, Williams Gaines and Sonja McKnight of Montgomery, AL and Clifton Weatherby and Martha McKnight of Dayton, AL. Tom's memory is cherished by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and his dear dog Buster Tuffy.

Tom grew up as one of the well-known McKnight boys on the family farm in Dayton, AL, working there in the time he was not attending the Thomaston Schools of Marengo County, of which his father was Superintendent.  After enjoying much success as a 4-sport athlete, Tom graduated from Thomaston High School, class of 1961. He graduated from Livingston College with a well-rounded education, then served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-70.  Tom served as a Quartermaster of the U.S.S. Dahlgren, stationed in Norfolk, VA. Tom enjoyed very much the ports around the world that he was able to visit during his service. Travel has always been a favorite pastime of his. After leaving the U.S. Navy, Tom joined Union Carbide, which became Viskase Corporation, as a Technical Advisor and traveled the east coast, making friends with many business associates throughout 35 years until his retirement in 2009.

Memories of happy times, as told by Tom, included his love for sports and the good friends he made playing football, baseball, basketball and track. He loved working on the family McKnight farm, but hunting and fishing with friends there was his true passion. His dear dog Waggo and pet raccoon Queenie and adventures with close friend Tommy Swearingen were the source of many stories told by this master storyteller. Teaching his children and grandchildren these outdoor activities is a legacy his grandchildren cherish, along with cooking and grilling, gardening, encouraging sports and showing them how to live a life well.

More recently while living in Chesapeake, Tom remembered his closest friends and fishing partners of 35 years Wendy and Ellis Maxey, with whom he explored all local and some North Carolina waters, very often returning home with a plentiful catch which his study and expertise as an angler provided. Good times dining with friends followed.

Tom enjoyed being a member of the Portsmouth Anglers Club and participating in Fish Fries and local Youth fishing expeditions, as well as special events and gatherings with Ducks Unlimited. Tom's skill as a grillmaster was appreciated far and wide as he prepared food for his family and to share with others who experienced challenging moments in life. The best times for Chris and Tom were meeting friends to celebrate life and show them how to dance!

Vacations at the Outer Banks Beach Club held a special place in Tom's memories for the relaxing beach days, fishing, long walks at surf's edge and on local trails, enjoying being with the family and dining in local restaurants, as well as being on the deck facing the ocean at MP 9.  After retirement, hiking in Virginia State Parks during the pandemic was a very bonding experience for Tom, Chris, and the new pup Buster Tuffy. Travel to many mountain ranges filled exciting days with hiking and sightseeing. Tom visited the Sierras, Appalachians, Laurentians, Blue Ridge, Rockies, Coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canadian Rockies, and Alps, but he said his favorite were the Pyrenees, which he visited during a long trip to France in 2018. He had several Caribbean trips to Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia filled with dancing to Caribbean music and sunny watersport adventures.

In 2011, Tom's treasured Quail Ridge Lodge in Dayton was decimated by a tornado. Along with Reverend Clark, he spent 4 months rebuilding the 1850s home on the McKnight farm into a fine camphouse for all the McKnights and other friends to use while enjoying the 400-acre properties. An orchard was recently added as part of Tom's legacy.

Thomas McKnight stood high above others for his good heart, fine character, inner strength, steadfastness, fidelity, patience and wisdom concerning life. As a husband, he was a loving, supportive pillar of life. Teaching others to appreciate what they have and to use their abilities to benefit the environment is his heritage. During his 15 months as a cancer patient, his endurance was incredible. With the help of his caregiver Chiffon, he was able to build strength to walk about and was seen on streets and trails with his Rollator, which amazed many of his supporters and friends.

The McKnight family wishes to express deep gratitude for the many friends, family and neighbors who contributed kindnesses to Tom's wellbeing during his journey. They kept him in good spirits and a positive frame of mind through intense challenges of the last year. Chiffon Pruitt provided gracious care and cherished friendship. The Trinity Hospice nurses and other employees supported his health needs in a loving manner. Many thanks to all.

For a final year, Tom was able to ride to favorite locales to walk and be outside and to enjoy reminiscing about a truly beautiful and productive life well spent. His last sentence was "I prayed for God's wisdom and blessings." The misery is no more.  He is irreplaceable. Our memories of dear Tom will forever endure in our hearts.  "The strife is o'er, the battle done."

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, at Green Acres Presbyterian Church, 3135 Hanley Avenue, Portsmouth.   Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dayton Methodist Church (Building or General fund), C/O Clifton McKnight, 27371 AL Hwy 25, Faunsdale, AL 36738. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.