James Rufus McKnight was born on January 12, 1942 in Sumter, South Carolina to Edward and Hattie Bell King McKnight.  He departed this life on Sunday, September 1, 2019 after an extended illness.

Mr. McKnight grew up serving the Lord with his family.  Because of his love and concern for humanity, he gained the love and respect of many people.  He lived and worked in Brooklyn, New York before moving to Winston-Salem, NC.  He worked at Winston-Salem State University for many years. After retiring from WSSU , he became self-employed.

Mr. McKnight was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Marilyn Pinkney McKnight and Rosa Gracie McKnight; and his siblings, William K. P e arson, Senobia A. Hilton, John E. McKnight, and David L. McKnight, Sr.

James is survived by 2 daughters, Jocelyn (Willie) Hinnant of Sumter, SC and Hope (Dwight) Littlejohn of Winston-Salem, NC, Hope was James' primary caregiver; one son, Rodney Spr ings; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; his sister, Dorothy E. Wiley of Lithonia, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Chlories P. Shore of Pfafftown, NC, Alene (Nathan) Wilkins of Clemmons, NC, Allen (Sharon) Pinkney , Jr. of Germanton, NC, Kermit ( Norene ) Pinkney of Liberty, NC, Geneva S. Pearso n of Summerton, SC, Artrelle B. Brown of Sumter, SC, and Nathaniel Benbow , Jr. of Sumter, SC; 6 nieces and 5 nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. JoAnn L. Hilton officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Saturday at the Chapel.