Pete Knight

Pete Knight of Abilene, Texas passed away on Christmas Eve 2015. He was a decorated Air Force veteran, a career ordained Christian minister, a legendary fisherman, a devoted husband to his wife, June Knight for 60 years, and a loving father to his two daughters, Marla Knight and Kelly Knight, both of whom live in Abilene. A graveside service, with full military honors, will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road; thereafter, the family will join loving friends and the community of faith at 4:00 p.m. at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for a home-going celebration of Pete's extraordinary, adventurous, and full life. Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Pete Knight was born on August 29, 1933 in Knox City, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents, Julia and O.L. as well as his only sibling, Vance, whose young life was claimed by the scourge of polio during those pre-vaccine times. Immediately after high school graduation, Pete joined the Air Force and honorably served his country for 23 years assigned to tours in Japan, Thailand, Iceland, Labrador, Maine, Oklahoma, and Texas. A true patriot and serviceman, Pete received many medals and honors. It is a testament to his dedication that he was awarded The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Award, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations medal, and was named Airman of the Year by his commanding officers after less than two years of service. After military retirement, Pete fervently embraced Christian ministry in all its forms: first at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church (1974-1986) and later as the pastor of Elm Valley Community Church. His ministry at PDBC took on many forms through the years—Activities ministry, Senior Adult ministry and his beloved Single Adult ministry. But he never limited his service to the pulpit or a church building. Pete always demonstrated a burden to help the poor, the disempowered, the disenfranchised children of God who struggle with the demons of addiction. He had a gift for working effectively with some very "tough customers", and he never judged them because he was wise in the Word and knew that "love can achieve what judgment never could". He led many, many people to Christ through his personal testimony, his longtime work with the Taylor County Jail Ministry, and his membership on the Board of Serenity House which provides invaluable restoration for mind, body, soul of the addict. So, Pete was a fisher of men......AND of bass. He has the distinction of earning the title "Top Ten Bass Legends of Texas". His AKA was "The Preacher", in part because he led church services on Sundays for all the fishers on Lake Falcon----partly because he began a food/clothing/medicine bank for our Mexican neighbors barely surviving on the other side of the lake. When professional bass tournament fishermen would seek out Pete "The Preacher" and offer him money for his expert consultation, Pete would refuse and counteroffer that if he gave the "bass secrets" the pro would have to let Pete preach the Good News of Jesus in exchange. Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold". We survivors are so proud to carry his honorable name. In addition to wife, June, and daughters Kelly Knight and Marla Knight (husband Rick Rhodes), Pete is survived by grandson Luke Weems (wife, Cheyenne) granddaughter Mercedes Valdez, (all of Abilene), granddaughter Natalie McCoy (husband, Steve) and great-granddaughter Shea McCoy (all of Colorado Springs, Colorado). His extended family lovingly included grandchildren Mike Rhodes (wife Kim), Sarah McGough (husband Lonnie) and great-grandchildren Aspin Rhodes, Mavrick Rhodes and Mac McGough (all of Abilene). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Love and Care Ministries, 233 Fannin St, Abilene, Texas 79603 or Hendrick Hospice Care Unit. "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." --------2 Timothy 4:7