John Harold Knight

John Harold Knight

Madison- John Harold Knight, 90, of Madison, Mississippi, went home to be with his Lord and his beloved Scottie on December 11, 2025.

Born July 23, 1935, in Saltillo, Mississippi, to John Allen and Mary Sue Knight, Harold grew up with salt-of-the-earth values he carried all his life. After proudly serving in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958, he earned his degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University and spent 45 remarkable years in the aerospace and energy industries. His favorite career chapter was during the space race of the 1960s as a NASA test engineer for the Apollo moon rocket engines—an era he spoke of with a quiet sparkle in his eye for the rest of his days. His career also included working with many amazing people at TVA and 4-County Electric Power.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Harold served as an elder in several congregations. He and Scottie were charter members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Alabama, with many of those friendships continuing for more than fifty years.

Harold and Scottie loved retirement in Starkville where they could participate in “all things Maroon!” Harold enjoyed an active life playing golf at Starkville Country Club with the same foursome for decades. He also enjoyed serving at his church and being in his workshop fixing, building, or improving something for someone he loved. The dream home he finished with his own hands on Birmingham Ridge stands as a testament to his skill, patience, and determination.

Above all, Harold loved when his family was all together, whether it was tailgating at MSU ball games or just sharing time together in laughter and love. He was a steady, rock-solid presence—always ready to help, never seeking the spotlight, and quick with a story or a solution when anyone needed it.

He is survived by his children, Gary and Kim Knight, Sharon and Jim Brown, and Allen and Debbie Knight; grandchildren, Ashley Zangus (Brandon), Taylor Knight (Emily), Heather Sydnor (Shaka), Henry Brown (Mary Ashton), Allie Clay (Matthew), Mary Kate Robertson (John), Anna Katherine Knight, Reid Knight (Alex), Robert Jones (Skylar), and Erin Jones; fifteen great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy; and a host of friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; cherished wife of 69 years, Mary Scotte “Scottie” Wood Knight; brothers, Allen Bostic Knight and George McCullough Knight; and granddaughter, Maggie Knight.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Friday, December 19, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mr. Knight will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo with Rev. John Brock and Rev. Joseph Wheat officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at McNeil Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Henry Brown, Brandon Zangus, Shaka Sydnor, Robert Jones, Alex Cramer, Matthew Clay and John Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Le Bonheur children’s hospital in Memphis or to Mississippi State University general scholarship fund, MSU Foundation, PO Box 6149, MS State, MS 39762.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the many compassionate caregivers at The Blake at Township that helped them care for him during his time there.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.