LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Hazel Brown Knight, age 94, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. He was born August 23, 1931, a son of the late Hazel T Knight and the late Clara Lynn Knight.

When he was just ten years old, he went to work at Robinson's clothing store on main street in Lancaster. This is where he discovered his love for retail, and he spent the majority of his life selling clothing and shoes in the Red Rose City. When he was still a teenager, he was drafted to serve in the army in Korea; however, he was already there with the National Guard unit from Lancaster, so his father had to go down to the office and let them know. Counting his time in both branches of the service, he served four years defending our nation. When he got out, he returned to Mainstreet and worked at JC Penny as assistant manager for almost two decades. Then he bought Robinson's and changed the name to Knight's Clothing. While still operating this business, he opened The Shoe Peddler. When times were hard, he supplemented his income by delivering papers for the Charlotte Observer and working as a night watchman at USC-L. He eventually closed Knight's and focused on selling shoes. He spent the second half of his 60 years on Mainstreet in retail selling shoes. He closed the doors in 2012 at the age of 81.

Hazel loved main street. That is where he built his businesses and met the love of his life, Mildred Threatt. He saw her when she was working at the Springs Customer Service when it was housed on main street. He asked his uncle Crawford Lynn to introduce them. They had just started dating when he was shipped off to Korea, and they got married as soon as he got home. They stayed married for 72 years and had one daughter Lisa.

Hazel also loved traveling with his family and went on many long road trips. He drove to Florida, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Canada just to name a few. When at home, he was an avid gardener. He raised okra and sold it to multiple grocery stores. His latest gardening adventure was raising Lenten roses which he would also sell. He also rescued and loved many kittens.

In the midst of all the busyness of full-time jobs, part-time jobs, gardening and caring for his animals, Hazel also managed to beat cancer. He was diagnosed with colon cancer over forty years ago and went through chemo treatments for a year and never had a recurrence. This was after the gastro doctor had informed him that he only had six months to live.

Hazel is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mildred Threatt Knight; his daughter, Lisa Knight; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Knight and Clara Knight; his brother, Ward Knight; and his sister, Lynn Faulkner.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service, at First Baptist Church.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service honoring Hazel and his beloved wife, Mildred Knight will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Randy Hatcher.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church in Lancaster and your local animal shelters.