Johnny Ray McKnight, Sr. left his earthly house on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born on March 16, 1951 to the late Denver and Minnie Smith McKnight. He loved his departed wife, Sharon
"Kay" McKnight deeply and they were married for 50 years. He was a man that loved God and his family. Johnny loved his family and friends more than life itself.  Some of his most enjoyable things were helping people, cutting wood on his sawmill, fishing, gardening and helping his neighbors. He loved to sing and was a member of the gospel group "Praise" and also singing in church and playing music on the Time of Praise show on WYMT-TV.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Sharon "Kay" Hall McKnight; a son, James "Robert" McKnight; four brothers, Richard "Dickie" McKnight; Roy "Sack" McKnight; Darwin "Herky" McKnight; and David McKnight; three sisters, Mary Francis Shuler; Barbara Jean Thomas; and Catherine "Cat" Robinson.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his son, Johnny "Ploop" McKnight Jr. and wife, Stacy, of London; a brother, James "Junebug" McKnight and wife, Barbara, of Crab Orchard; two sisters, Sara "Sissy" Augusta of Jonesboro, TN; and Deborah Fields and husband, Shelby, of Benham; three grandchildren, Brittany, Jared and Madison McKnight; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Bluegrass for their professional help, support, kindness and gratitude.

His visitation will be Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm at the Tri City Funeral Home. His funeral will be Friday at 1 pm with the Reverend Dillard Stanley officiating. Interment will follow at the Clay-Hall Family Cemetery in Cloverlick with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Johnny McKnight Sr.