He proudly served his country in the US Army Gerald Dale McKnight, 83, Ozark, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 24, 1925, the son of Ballard and Ruth (Mabry) McKnight and grew up in the Ava and Roy communities.
From September 1944 to July 1946, he was stationed in Germany where he proudly served his country with the United States Army. On Jan. 23, 1948, he was united in marriage to Barbara Stafford and together they raised four sons.
Gerald worked the majority of his life on his farm in Rogersville where he dairy farmed, raised beef cattle and loved every aspect of the rural farm life. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. He was a loving grandfather and very supportive of his grandchildren and all of their extra-curricular activities. Gerald was loved by many and he will be greatly missed.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Barbara; four sons Jerry McKnight and wife Lou of Sparta, Larry McKnight and wife Beth of Rogersville, Terry McKnight and wife Autumn of Fordland, and Tim McKnight and wife Karen of Ozark; seven grandchildren, Melody Gray, Amanda McKnight, Jared McKnight, Evan McKnight, Brock McKnight, Easton McKnight, and Adam McKnight; two great-grandsons Brandon and Trenton Gray; several caring friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson-in-law John Gray.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Clifford Day officiating. Burial followed in Springhill Cemetery, Rogersville. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, in the funeral home.
