Joe Lee McKnight's Obituary
Joe Lee McKnight passed away at the age of 95 on January 11, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.
Joe was born on July 25, 1929 to Joseph Daniel and Crocia Elizabeth McKnight in Grapeland, Texas.
In 1947, Joe met Charlotte Ruth White while living at the same boarding house on Swiss Avenue in Dallas, Texas. He loved telling the story of asking Charlotte for a date only to be told “No” because he was a few years younger. He was determined and his persistence paid off. Joe and Charlotte were married on August 27, 1948, a loving commitment that lasted 66 years. They went on to have two children, Eric Lee and Ruth Ann.
Joe, aka Mac, to fellow workers, or Old Joe, to distinguish him from Joe, his brother in-law, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad; was a short and long haul truck driver for 43 years logging over 3 million miles. He was awarded numerous safety certificates and competed in state and national Truck Rodeo events, proudly finishing second in one of the National competitions held in Miami, Florida.
Joe was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas for 45 years, where Charlotte served on the board of the Open Door Preschool. He loved spending time outdoors and took on the responsibilities of maintaining the grounds/landscaping at the church. Upon his retirement, he and Charlotte moved to Robert Lee, Texas where they were members of the Robert Lee United Methodist Church, serving in various capacities. Again, Joe went to work taking care of maintenance issues and grounds work around the church property. He also spent many hours volunteering at the food bank in Robert Lee.
Joe is preceded in death by parents Joseph Daniel and Crocia Elizabeth McKnight, and wife Charlotte Ruth White McKnight, five siblings, a nephew, Danny, and sister in-law, Marilyn.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sister, Virginia Miller; son Eric (Cheryl), and daughter Ruth Ann (Ray O’Dell); grandchildren: Kyle (Lindsey) McKnight, Jeremy (Amelia) McKnight, Russell McKnight, Katy O’Dell, and Sean (Katelyn) O’Dell; great-grandchildren: Jamison, Kingston, Finley, Blaire, Harrison, E, Lane; brother-in-law Joe Vic White, and other relatives and friends.
Joe's family sincerely thanks the employees of Heartland House Assisted Living, Lubbock, TX and the beautiful friends Joe made there. In them, we have seen the body of Christ.
Services will be held at Restland Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, Dallas, Texas on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 4105 Junius Street, Dallas, TX, 75246 or First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX, 79401.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?