LANCASTER, SC – CMSGT Richard Lewis Knight, Sr., age 92, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lancaster on October 2, 1933, to the late Walter Furman Knight and the late Sarah Kennington Knight and was the loving and devoted husband of Judy Byrd Knight.

Mr. Knight devoted much of his life to serving others. He proudly served for 42 years in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves, a testament to his deep sense of duty, commitment, and love for his country. His years of military service were a source of great pride, and he carried that same spirit of dedication into every part of his life. He also faithfully served his community as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for more than 30 years. Through both his military and civilian careers, Mr. Knight demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving his country and the people around him.

His faith was equally important to him. Mr. Knight was a faithful member of Taylors Grove Baptist Church for more than 70 years. Throughout those many decades, he served his church family in countless capacities, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever he was needed. His church was more than a place of worship; it was a lifelong home filled with people he loved and a community to which he gave so much of himself.

Mr. Knight also had a heart for helping others in times when they needed it most. He faithfully volunteered with the Lancaster County Chapter of the American Red Cross, serving not only families throughout his local community, but also traveling and responding to those in need across the nation. Whether following tornadoes, hurricanes, house fires, or other tragedies, he was there to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and a sense of comfort when families needed it most. His compassion for others took him wherever he was needed, including assisting families affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001. He walked alongside families during some of the darkest and most heartbreaking moments of their lives, offering whatever help and comfort he could. He never sought recognition for what he did. Helping others was simply who he was, and serving those in need was a true reflection of his generous heart.

Long before many of these years of service, Mr. Knight found another way to make a difference in the lives of young people. He coached Dixie Youth baseball and softball and later served on the board. He enjoyed being part of the lives of young athletes, teaching them not only about the game but also about teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance.

Through his military service, his church, his volunteer work, and his dedication to the youth of his community, Mr. Knight spent a lifetime serving others. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, compassion, and kindness. The lives he touched and the people he helped will forever carry the memory of a man who was always willing to step forward when someone was in need.

Mr. Knight is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Knight; his three sons, Richie Knight (Debbie), Ronnie Knight, and Rex Knight (Melinda); his four grandchildren, Susan Hopkins (Joseph), Kendall Knight (Kaitlin), Hannah Ritschel (Derek), and Ryan Knight (Elie); three great-grandchildren, J.J. Hopkins, Luke Hopkins, and Marcy Ritschel; his brother, Carl Knight; his two sisters, Judy Belk, and Sandra Howard; and many special family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Furman Knight, Marvin Knight, and Donald Knight; and his sister, Elsie Wright.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mr. Knight will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Taylors Grove Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Danny Martin and Rev. Tommy Howell. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Taylors Grove Baptist Church, 2382 Charlotte Hwy, Lancaster, SC 29720.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and caregivers of Patriot Healthcare Lancaster for the love, kindness, and compassionate care they so lovingly provided to Mr. Knight. Their dedication and gentle care brought comfort and peace to him and meant so much to his family during this time. The family would also like to offer a very special thank you to Karen Blackmon for her kindness, support, and the loving care she provided to Mr. Knight. They will always be grateful for the compassion and care shown to him.