Oct. 8, 1939 –

Oct. 13, 2012

Major (Ret.) John Franklin Knight, III, U.S.A.F., died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at his home in Bainbridge. He was embraced by his wife, Carol. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at Cox Funeral Home Chapel. Southwest Georgia Hospice Chaplain David Cook will be officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memory Gardens, with full military honors.

John Franklin Knight III was born Oct. 8, 1939, in Bainbridge, to John Franklin Knight II and Georgia Skipper Knight. He entered the Air Force in January 1960 at Marianna Airbase Flight School. John was skilled in flying several aircraft, but his favorite was the C130 Hercules.

Major Knight flew combat missions as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) during the Vietnam War. He received numerous awards including: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with silver star award. This was received from Brigadier General Nguyen Viet Thanh, Commanding General of the Vietnam Forces. He served as the Commanding Officer Advisor to the 924 Tactical Airlift Group at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, where he retired.

After attending business school, he became a computer programmer/data analysis specialist. John enjoyed fishing and his family. He was a skilled woodworking craftsman. The retired major was a dedicated member of V.F.W. Post 4904.

John F. Knight is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carol Karoleski Knight of Bainbridge; children, Sean Knight and wife, Rebecca of Austin, Texas, and Catherine Renfro and husband, John of Marble Falls, Texas; brother, Mike Knight and wife, Barbara of Rogersville, Tenn.; step-son, Brian Nicholson, wife Melissa of Noblesville, Ind.; grandchildren, Hannah Faltesek, Zoe Knight, Ivy Knight, Malashia Nicholson and Toby Nicholson; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southwest Georgia, 1323 E. Shotwell St., Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Cox Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.