Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Mr. James Walter Knight, age 93 of 723 York Street, Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at his residence.
James Walter Knight, the one and only son of the late Walter and Gertrude Rickett Knight, was born on August 3, 1926, Sanford, NC. On July 25, 2020, in the still of the night, God called His humble servant to his heavenly home for eternal rest.
James was educated in the Lee County Public School System. When he purchased his first car, he kept it in tip-top shape. At which time, he learned to dismantle and reassemble cars. Auto mechanics fascinated him so much so that he enrolled in Central Carolina Community College to master his skills. “Old Lizzy”, his 1969 Ford, was his pet project until his demise.
James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, at an early age at White Oak A.M.E. Zion Church. When he moved into town, he attended various churches in Sanford. During Rev. D. I.W. McInnis’ pastorage at Fair Promise A.M.E. Zion Church, he vowed to be a loyal and dedicated member. And so it was until the draft interrupted his availability to serve. After his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, he returned home and became fully engaged in His service at his beloved Fair Promise. He served faithfully in several capacities. For a number of years, he served on the Usher Board and became the president after Mrs. Mamie Dalrymple’s demise, stoled in the Missionary Society, member of the Steward Board, Pastor’s Steward, the Men’s Council, Varick Brotherhood and sang tenor with all three choirs. When he first started singing with the choir, he only sang solo for one song, “I’m On the Battlefield”. He sang it so much that we started calling it the Fair Promise National Anthem. For over twenty years, he kept the church facility and grounds immaculate until he retired as the custodian. As a member of the Blooming for Christ Floral Committee, he took special care of the sanctuary flowers, enhancing the interior beauty of the church. Whatever your life’s worth is, do it well. “A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better” must have been forever etched in his mind. In fact, he gave all that he had…his time, his talents, his treasure, his heart, mind and spirit. The Pastors and Members of Fair Promise thought so highly of Mr. Knight that they named him “Man of the Year” twice. Most of the time he was the first to get to Sunday School and Noon-Day Bible Study.
For sixty-one years, James wore many hats at Borden and General Shale Brickyard. He was a number one forklift operator; every truck was loaded to perfection. There he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Employee of the Year in 1997. His fellow co-workers respected him and often sought his wisdom and sound advice. As did many youngsters in his family, church and neighborhood. Being a role model and mentor to many, he was affectionately referred to as “Uncle James”.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah Morrison Knight; his parents, seven sisters…Ruby, Viola, Sally Florence, Thelma and three infant sisters and three nephews and two nieces.
James enjoyed sightseeing, vacationing at the beach, watching TV shows such as: game shows, Wild West movies, sports, wildlife shows, preparing his favorite southern-styles meals, traveling with the voices of Praise, attending interfaith Usher’s Marches and family gathering. He also stayed tuned to 103.9 to listen to gospel music. Every year, he made his way to the Central North Carolina Annual Conference to participate in the Usher’s March; proudly serving as a bearer of the Fair Promise Banner.
During Black History Month – 2019, he was awarded a certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding leadership, dedication and inspirational spirit.
Precious memories of this amazing man will be long remembered by: his dearly beloved family Maxine Brown Trumbo, Ruby Womack, Sanford, Bettye Aggerup, Cary, NC, Walter Johnson (Jewel), Sanford, Grace Taylor, Sanford, Harold Johnson (Lois), OK City, Edgar Tabon (Maria), Sumpter, SC; his Church family and a huge number of other relatives and friends. Uncle James’ quiet demeanor and great sense of humor will be sorely missed. Well done my good and faithful servant, Well done!
ATTENTION: Everyone that Enters the Funeral Home and or Attending the Services MUST WEAR A MASK
Thank you in advance for helping Us protect the families and communities that we serve.
Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford, NC