June 18, 2021 at 4:55 p.m.
William Knight
Obituary
William Knight
The Rev. William “Bill” Wiley Sayle Knight Jr. passed away at the age of 95 the afternoon of June 8, 2021, surrounded by his family at IU Health Jay hospital in Portland, Indiana.
Bill Knight was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1925, the second of four children born to Genevieve and William Knight Sr.
In 1942 after the start of World War II, Bill left New Jersey for the U.S. Navy shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina, to work as a boilermaker’s apprentice, working on building destroyers for the war effort. In 1943, he followed his father and brothers in enlisting in the Navy. While in the Navy, he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He survived the torpedoing of one ship during the D-Day invasion and played a supporting role in the occupation of Japan after the bombing of Hiroshima.
While in Japan, Bill had an encounter with a Catholic priest that left a lasting impression on him. After the war, he decided that he wanted to become a missionary and serve overseas. In 1950, he began his career in the ministry as a licensed student preacher. In 1953, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina, and later received a master’s degree in theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. In 1955, he was assigned by the Disciples of Christ Church as a missionary in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Following his two years in South Africa, Bill returned to the United States where he began a 50-year career in the ministry. During this time, Bill served congregations in Pendleton, Sheridan, Princeton, Union City and Oaktown, Indiana.
Bill was deeply devoted to the church, his family and the community. Known for his compassion and love for others, he sought to provide for those who lacked a voice and stood for the principles that were illustrated by Jesus Christ. Anyone in need knew that Bill would provide them with counsel, a warm meal and a place to rest.
Bill was preceded in death by his second son, William Karl Knight.
He is survived by his wife Carol; sons Walter and Thomas; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Bill continued to show his love for others by generously donating his body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Pension Fund of the Christian Church at pensionfund.org/give or to Everheart Hospice at everhearthospice.org.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony to be announced at a later date.
The Rev. William “Bill” Wiley Sayle Knight Jr. passed away at the age of 95 the afternoon of June 8, 2021, surrounded by his family at IU Health Jay hospital in Portland, Indiana.
Bill Knight was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1925, the second of four children born to Genevieve and William Knight Sr.
In 1942 after the start of World War II, Bill left New Jersey for the U.S. Navy shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina, to work as a boilermaker’s apprentice, working on building destroyers for the war effort. In 1943, he followed his father and brothers in enlisting in the Navy. While in the Navy, he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He survived the torpedoing of one ship during the D-Day invasion and played a supporting role in the occupation of Japan after the bombing of Hiroshima.
While in Japan, Bill had an encounter with a Catholic priest that left a lasting impression on him. After the war, he decided that he wanted to become a missionary and serve overseas. In 1950, he began his career in the ministry as a licensed student preacher. In 1953, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina, and later received a master’s degree in theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. In 1955, he was assigned by the Disciples of Christ Church as a missionary in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Following his two years in South Africa, Bill returned to the United States where he began a 50-year career in the ministry. During this time, Bill served congregations in Pendleton, Sheridan, Princeton, Union City and Oaktown, Indiana.
Bill was deeply devoted to the church, his family and the community. Known for his compassion and love for others, he sought to provide for those who lacked a voice and stood for the principles that were illustrated by Jesus Christ. Anyone in need knew that Bill would provide them with counsel, a warm meal and a place to rest.
Bill was preceded in death by his second son, William Karl Knight.
He is survived by his wife Carol; sons Walter and Thomas; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Bill continued to show his love for others by generously donating his body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Pension Fund of the Christian Church at pensionfund.org/give or to Everheart Hospice at everhearthospice.org.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony to be announced at a later date.
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