County mourns loss of Joe McKnight

Marion County Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe McKnight passed away Sunday evening, January 31, 2021, after a battle with cancer.

“Joe was a dedicated public servant with n o agenda other than making Marion County, his lifelong home, a better place for everyone,” said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur in a press release on Monday.

Joe spent his life working for Marion County – both as an elected official and as a volunteer. He served as a member of the Smithland Volunteer Fire department for over 20 years, and spent the last decade as the Commissioner of Precinct 2.

When Joe wasn’t working or volunteering, he was outdoors hunting or fishing.

A dedicated family man, Joe was married for 42 years to Kim Derrick, and together they raised two children, Wendy Shelton and Russell McKnight. Joe’s greatest joy came from spending time with his five grandchildren. 

“Commissioner McKnight was a friend and mentor,” said LaFleur. “When a friend and mentor passes away it’s hard to find the words to describe the difference he made in my life. But when most everything a man has done to make a difference for our community is a matter of public record, their story becomes easier to tell! I will tell that story often as we move forward to build on the foundation that Joe helped construct.”

Joe’s dedication to the county was reflected in tributes posted on the announcement of his passing.

“Mr Joe, was a gentleman and sincerely cared about the citizens in his district, he’ll be sorely missed,” wrote Judith Litchfield.

“Joe was a great guy every time!! A genuine soul that will be missed my so many,” wrote Tuffy and Susan Cornett. “Precious memories you will hold in your heart always.”

“Marion County will not be the same without him but we take solace in the knowledge that we live in a better community because of Joe and his service to the people of Marion County,” LaFleur concluded his press release.

The McKnight family also has had to grieve the loss of Joe’s brother Charles in December.

“Thank you all for the thoughts, calls, visits, food, and prayers,” wrote Joe’s brother David. “The loss of my brother Joe McKnight has hit us hard, especially when we were still reeling from the loss of my other brother Charlie less than 5 weeks ago. With support from family and friends like all of you, and the Grace of God, we will get through this. Thank you all again.”

Joe is survived by his wife Kim; his daughter Wendy Shelton; his son and daughter-in-law Russell and Kim McKnight; his brother and sister-in-law David and Betty McKnight; grandchildren grandchildren, Peyton Turner, Trenton McKnight, Presley Turner, Lila McKnight, and Heath Shelton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.”

Funeral services were 10 a.m. Wednesday at The Capt. Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral Home. Brother Donnie Barron and John Derrick officiated.

Joe was laid to rest in Savannah Cemetery.

The family has requested that charitable donations be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude’s or the charity of your choice as a way of remembering him.