Mr. Ronald Gene Knight

Ronald Gene “Ronnie” Knight, Sr., 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2024. Although deeply saddened, his family rejoices that he is with Jesus. Ronnie was born in Pascagoula, MS on February 27, 1945. He was the youngest son of the late John Curry and Anne (McMillan) Knight. Growing up, Ronnie excelled in baseball, fishing, playing the trumpet, academics, and most importantly winning the heart of his beloved, Betty. He met his sweetheart at the age of 16 and they were inseparable for the next 63 years. Every decision he made brought honor to her and centered on building their life together. He loved game days, island days, and any day with Betty at his side. They weathered good times and struggle with joy and hopeful anticipation. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, Ronnie was cheerful in all seasons. Ronnie was a proud member of Pascagoula High School’s Class of 1963. After graduation, he obtained an electrical engineering degree from Mississippi State University in 1967. Ronnie’s attention to detail, solutions for complex problems, and innovative ideas kept The International Paper (IP) Moss Point Mill running smoothly for decades. As the tenacious and dedicated Maintenance Manager, he and his team successfully maintained machines from the early 1900s. Ronnie went on to work as a worldwide consultant with IP’s Technology Group in Mobile, and the Georgetown Mill in South Carolina. Upon retirement he shared his expertise, organizing and streamlining the production of Rapi-Scan’s security scanners. In addition, Ronnie devoted time and talent in service to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He generously gave to family, friends, and those in need. Of all the places he traveled, home was his favorite place to be. Their view from Cedar Point rivaled any vacation destination and from there Ronnie delighted in grilling steaks, cheering for the Dawgs, the Saints, fishing, designing, and maintaining their home. Their doors were always open, and everyone was welcome there. He was a pillar of compassion and leaves a legacy of love to his devoted wife, Betty (Roberts) Knight; daughter, Terri Schoemann; and her children Jaynie (Daniel) Payne and their daughter, Libby Blair; Noel (Max) Jamison and their daughter, Juni Rose; son, Ron (Caroline) Knight and their daughters, Sarah Margaret and Charlotte, nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, John Curry and Anne (McMillan) Knight; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Betty (Foster) Roberts; brother, John Knight; brother-in-law, Billy Roberts; and son-in-law, Tom Schoemann. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, at Holder Wells Funeral Home- located at 4007 Main Street, Moss Point, MS 39563 from 5:00 - 6:00, with the Funeral Service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation to the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

Tributes

Mr. Ronald Gene Knight

February 27, 1945 - December 15, 2024