BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Sunday morning, October 30th, a family member discovered that a former Tampa resident and popular athlete died in his sleep. Mr. Willie Knight was 67 years old. His sister-in-law, Ms. Ann Jenkins, said he died of natural causes.

A native of Savannah, Mr. Willie Knight moved to Tampa with his mother, the late Mrs. Wilhelmina Knight, and older brother, Jake Knight. The brothers, who were very close, attended the public schools of Hillsborough County.

Both brothers attended Blake High School and were very popular athletes during the 1960s. Mr. Knight graduated in 1962, and entered the workforce. He worked as a Skycap for many years at a Detroit airport and at the Tampa International Airport. He retired in Tampa and lived here for several years.

In 2008, Mr. Knight learned that his brother had developed Parkinson’s disease and he moved back to Savannah to become his caregiver, Ms. Jenkins said.

In addition to his brother sister-in-law, and 21 children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, 21 nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends survive Mr. Knight.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, November 5th, at 2 p.m., at the St. John Baptist Church, 522 Hartridge Street, Savannah, GA. Adams Funeral Home, 510 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, is in charge of handling arrangements.