William Henry Knight

Friday, November 1, 2019

William Henry Knight, 89, of Manila, passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Paragould and raised in Leachville, he was the son of the late Henry and Georgia Brock Knight and had been a Manila area resident since 1955.  He was a 1948 graduate of Leachville High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War where he served with the 2nd Infantry Division from 1951-1952. He then enlisted with the Army Reserve and served until 1957. William married Vailima Sheppard Knight March 29, 1953, a union that lasted over 58 years until her death May 27, 2011. Together they lived and farmed in the Lost Cane, Little River and Whistleville communities. His career in the auction business began in 1959, where he served as past president of the Arkansas Auctioneers Association, and was one of the founders of “Five Star Auction, Inc.” of Senatobia, Miss. He was a member of the Dell United Methodist Church. 

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jane Knight, and one brother, Richard Knight.

Survivors include two sons, Billy Knight and wife Mary and Lee Knight and wife Debbie, all of Dell; one granddaughter, Niki Schumacher and husband Chris of Prattville; one grandson, Sam Knight of Dell. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Jason Burroughs and Sophia Phillips.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the United Methodist Church in Dell with Rev. Marilyn Webb officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour prior to service. Services are under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. Online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com