Hughie E. McKnight Jr., 65, entered into eternal peace Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Hospice Ministries Org. in Ridgeland.

Mr. McKnight was born March 10, 1951, in Georgetown, S.C. to Enoch and Evelyn McKnight.  

He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a major in photojournalism.

He joined the Navy and was introduced to nuclear power onboard a nuclear sub. He said that he found the work he wanted to do. He received an honorable discharge from the Navy and applied for a landside career in nuclear power and became a reactor operator for Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson.

After retirement, Mr. McKnight expressed his love for dogs by becoming a dog walker in his neighborhood.    

He is survived by his wife, Pat McKnight; his sister, Peggy (Benjamin) Meredith of Monroe, La.; sister-in-law, Pam (Gaddis) Hunt of Starkville; one niece, two nephews, and a special friend, Nellie (Wayne) Hopkins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Enoch McKnight; and by his mother, Evelyn McKnight.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to: Calvary Baptist Church, c/o “Nations 4 Christ,” 163 N. Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN  37830.

Arrangements are made with Glenwood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 11a.m. A graveside service will be at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Hopkins, Benjamin Meredith, Scott Meredith, Gaddis Hunt, and Todd Hunt. Honorary pallbearer will be Dr. Lee Giffin.