Elbert Foch McKnight

Elbert Foch McKnight, died January 11, 2015, after a short illness. Born November 1, 1918, near Bee Branch, Arkansas, Mr. McKnight lived much of his ninety-six years in Clinton, Arkansas, having recently moved to Brentwood, Tennessee. Mr. McKnight is survived by his wife of 68 years, Twyla Ruth Phillips McKnight, two sons, Roger McKnight of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Randolph McKnight (and wife, Mary Crownover McKnight) of Brentwood, and five grandchildren, Robert (Sarah) McKnight (Hernando, Mississippi), Jamie McKnight (Bartlett), Alicia (Donaye) Blake (Brentwood), Andrea (Ryan) Noel (Houston, Texas), and Aaron McKnight (Birmingham, Alabama). Mr. McKnight also enjoyed the company of four great-grandchildren, Coen, Brody and Jamie McKnight, and Elsie Blake. Mr. McKnight was the fifth of 10 children born to Cowan William and Martha Jane "Mattie" McKnight. Three of his siblings survive, Robert (Bob) McKnight and Fairy Stephens of Clinton, and Betty Bradford of Phoenix, Arizona. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Howard, Noel Fred, and Olen McKnight, and sisters, Erma Steele, May Ferguson, and Billie Newborn. Mr. McKnight was a 1936 graduate of Clinton High School. After high school Mr. McKnight served in WWII in the United States Army Air Corps in the South Pacific theater, receiving the bronze star for meritorious service. Following WWII, Mr. McKnight attended Ouachita Baptist College before beginning his life-long career with the Defense Department. Working with the Defense Department took him first to Pine Bluff and later to Memphis, Tennessee, for a number of years, but Clinton was always "home". After retirement, Mr. McKnight and his wife enjoyed living on their farm in Clinton. Mr. McKnight was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Clinton and taught Sunday School for many years. He was secure in his faith in Jesus Christ, and the hope He gives. Celebration of Life Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas. Service Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.