Mr. Joshua Lee McKnight, Harlan, Kentucky, met his Savior face to face in the early morning hours of Monday, January 20, 2025, while at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was forty-two years old.

Josh was born in Harlan on February 20, 1982, to Leonard and Phyllis (Hartsock) McKnight. He had three beloved siblings: Tony, Ben, and April.

A 2000 graduate of James A. Cawood High School, Josh had a great love for cars. Not just any car, FAST cars. Many times, Josh could be found testing the limits of his Corvette, drag racing with his buddies. The need-for-speed was something that stuck with Josh his entire life. After graduating from high school, he received his diesel mechanic certification. Eventually finding his way to the coal industry, Josh worked in the coal mines for fifteen years. On August 7, 2010, he married his best friend and soul mate, Heather Depew. Their fourteen-year marriage was blessed with four pregnancies: two little ones who were taken to heaven to await the arrival of their daddy, and two beautiful children who completed their earthly family, Emily Mary Grace and Eli Joshua, both of whom were their parents' pride and joy. Josh adored his family!

'Devastation' came to the family in the form of a layoff from the mines for Josh but God used that steer him to his true calling and in the early 2020s, Josh founded APEX Transport. That's when he put his diesel mechanic knowledge to work. He loved his work, loved the transportation business, and was an extremely hard worker with an impeccable work ethic.

Josh was a man's man; opinionated and held strong beliefs. If he was in your corner, he had your back. He was a true friend. He relished being outdoors, hunting and fishing and loved a good card game. Every Thursday night for years, Josh met up with a small group of dear friends who spent the evening playing a variety of card games. Although he was a quiet man, Josh enjoyed life to the fullest and had a fun-loving, goofy personality.

It's easy to see how God orchestrated Josh's journey to get him where he needed to be throughout his life. God used the diagnosis of cancer to bring Josh into fellowship with Himself. What a blessing for those who belong to Christ, knowing they will see Josh again soon.

He is preceded in death by two unborn children, as well as both sets of grandparents. Those left to cherish Josh's memory include his wife, Heather Depew McKnight; daughter, Emily Mary Grace McKnight; son, Eli Joshua McKnight; parents, Leonard and Phyllis McKnight; sister, April Castle; two brothers: Tony Gibbs and Ben (Jacqueline) McKnight; mother and father-in-law, Ruby and Joe Depew; brother-in-law, David (Wendy) Depew; several nieces and nephews; a host of extended relatives; as well as many dear friends.

Visitation for Josh will take place Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Harlan Funeral Home, from 4:00-7:00pm. The funeral will be held Saturday, January 25, at 4:00, with Reverend Britt Lawson and Rodney Osborne officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Joshua McKnight.