Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Donald L. Knight

11/05/2024

Mr. Donald L. Knight, age 80, of Jonesborough, passed away at Durham Hensley Nursing Home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was born on April 12, 1944, in Mayfield, Kentucky, to Talmus and Tina Canter Knight.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a deputy for 23 years for Hampton, Virginia and DuPage County, Illinois sheriff’s offices. Eighteen years ago, Don and Barbara retired and moved to Jonesborough where he was a member of the Kiwanis and senior golf league. He had the kindest heart of anyone, loved working with kids and enjoyed his work with the Shop with a Cop Program for Jonesborough. For many years Don was Santa Claus for the town of Jonesborough, the Johnson City parade and the Jonesborough parade. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 979. Don attended Crosspoint Church.

Those left to cherish his memory of his wife of almost 31 years, Barbara Knight; sons, Kenneth Winebarger and his wife, Wendi, Richard Winebarger, both of Virginia, Jason Winebarger of Florida; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Hanley and Melinda Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Doebler officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, prior to the service. A Graveside Service will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 1:00 PM, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Jonesborough Kiwanis Foundation for the Shop with a Cop Program.

Condolences may be sent to the Knight family at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821

Share Obituary With A Friend

Leave an Eulogy or Condolence for Donald L. Knight

EULOGIES & CONDOLENCES
11/26/2024
Hank Bode
Dear Barb, Susan and I send our sincere sympathy to you at this time of reflection. Your news of Don’s passing caused many memories of being with you and Don, often times at Videojet functions. The most dominant recollection was how right each of you felt about each other. Don had the natural countenance of a true gentle giant…a person who was easy to meet and be with. And of course, once I thought about you and Videojet, my memory links started to work. Thanks for “bringing Don to theParty.” With Best Wishes. Hank and Susan PS We’re both very active and involved in singing groups. I’m taking art classes. Hank
11/11/2024
Kathy Denton
Let me introduce myself, my name is Kathy Denton. Don and I met while I was volunteering for Honor Flight, and over the years, he became more than just a fellow volunteer " he became my inspiration and my friend. Don had this incredible capacity for compassion. I remember him pushing other veterans to the memorials on the trips we made together for Honor Flight. He approached every task, no matter how small, with enthusiasm and dedication. Don believed that every act of kindness, no matter how small, could change the world. He carried this spirit in his role as Santa Claus for the town of Jonesborough. Don, we will miss your gentle spirit, your unwavering commitment, and your ability to see the best in every creature " human or animal. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of selflessness and compassion. Your legacy of kindness will continue in all the lives you have touched. I would like at this time to pay a final tribute to my friend and Veteran - Donald L. Knight. Many times, our veterans are taken for granted. For the dozens of freedoms that we ordinary citizens have enjoyed every single day of our lives in America, we are grateful to you. We hardly ever stop to even consider the sacrifices they made in far away places, with scant comfort, if there is any at all, and yet you did not complain. They just continued to serve and give and demonstrate genuine love for us every day. Day in and day out; in danger; in fatigue; in strange places all over the world. We are more indebted to you than we will ever even comprehend. And it is also true that unless one has been in battle, one does not utterly understand the depth of your passion for liberty. Don stood true to the role that our veterans played. They served and fought for the greatest Nation in the history of civilization. There has never been a grievous wrong that good Americans have not sought to rectify. There has never been a just cause on which America has turned her back for long. Our soldiers have been and continue to be, the greatest force for freedom and human rights ever gathered. You have raised our flag around the world, not for domination, but to bring greater liberty and a better way of life. You are the reason America remains a beacon of hope to the entire world. You seek neither glory nor riches, nor even fame. You are our best, our brightest, our bravest. Please always know that even when we do not show it, we love you. We appreciate you. We thank you. And we will never forget you or forsake you. From the days of the Revolutionary War through the two World Wars of the 20th century and the regional conflicts of the 21st, our veterans have stood on the front lines to preserve all of the freedoms that the United States of America enjoys. As a result, every veteran deserves our gratitude and help. Rest in peace Don, you will be missed. You are the silent soldier that fought the good fight. Thank you for your service to our country.
11/10/2024
Lincoln & Gail Bode
Dear Barb, our condolences on the loss of your husband. He sounded like a special guy who loved helping others. Celebrate his life and cherish the memories you had together. Know that you are loved, Lincoln & Gail
11/09/2024
Jeffrey L Spicer
Donald Lynn R.I.P. my friend, Jeffrey Lynn and to his wife Barb my sincere condolences.
11/08/2024
Laura Graham
Barbara, I was saddened when I learned that Don had passed away. I so enjoyed my times with him in Jonesborough Kiwanis Club, Shop with a Cop in Jonesborough, and Honor Flight. He was such a good and godly man You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
11/08/2024
Allen & Susan Jackson
Barbara, Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
11/08/2024
Gloria Winebarger and Devan Taly
To my Father-in-law and Devan's Cupid you will truly be missed. Don was a patriot for his country, a good husband, dad and grandpa. Our hearts go out to you Barbara and the family during this time of sorrow. May the happy memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. With love, Gloria and Devan

back