Jerry Richard Knight
October 1, 1946 – November 1, 2026
Jerry Richard Knight, 80, passed away at his home in Decatur, Alabama, on Sunday,
November 1, 2026, surrounded by family. Jerry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on
October 1, 1946, to Eldron and Bertha Knight. He was a devout Christian, loving
husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather as well as a dedicated attorney.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; son, Jake Knight (Marie); grandchildren, Miriam Jane (M.J.) Knight and William Richard (Will) Knight; and brothers, Marc Knight (Sheila) and Phil Knight.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eldron Knight and Bertha Gross.
Jerry enjoyed immense success throughout his life and earned every bit of it. He fought tooth and nail with his teammates to earn football state championships in 1961 and 1963 at Ardmore High School. From there, he worked his way through Auburn University co-oping for Alabama Power Company and earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Shortly afterwards, he began law school at Cumberland School of Law where he earned his law degree and found his professional passion.
He married the love of his life, Jane, in 1972 and they formed a bond that persisted through sickness and health. Despite physical challenges, Jerry built a successful law practice where he earned the respect of colleagues and clients around north Alabama. Throughout his 51-year career, he passionately represented his clients with the purest moral compass anyone could imagine. He built a strong network of friends and colleagues who provided each other with professional support and vicious competition on the golf course.
Most of all, Jerry Knight loved the Lord. He not only attended Sundays at First Baptist Church of Decatur but taught Sunday school, served as a deacon, worked on outreach projects, and found any way he could to spread the Word and assist his church in becoming the best church family it could be. He frequently helped those in need, humbly and without need for recognition.
We will all miss Jerry as we are losing a devout husband, father, uncle, brother,
grandfather, friend, mentor, defender, competitor, and one of the most kind-hearted souls to ever walk this earth.
In Lieu of Flowers the family asks that donations go to Gentiva Hospice or Children’s Hospital.
