Claden Knight
Born May 31, 1938,-Died October 19, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our husband and father, Claden Knight of Haleyville. It was a life lived with tremendous passion, energy and service towards others.
Claden is preceded in death by parents William and Leaty Knight, Sister Kathleen Knight Horn, Brother Billie Gene Knight, and Wife Barbara Ann Knight.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Haleyville.. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m with Lee Horn and Dr. Nathan Carroll speaking. Burial will follow in Winston Memorial Cemetery.
He is survived by wife Jimmie Marie Knight, sons Carl Claden Knight, Jr., (Libby), Dr. Harlan R. Knight (Stephanie), Grandchildren Rebecca Knight Williams, Clay Knight, III, Harlan R. Knight, II, Benjamin Knight, Chloe Knight, Stepson Patrick Wilson, Great Grandchildren Blakely Lemmon, Slade Williams and Emma Knight and Sister, Martha Mayhall. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.
Born in Haleyville in 1938, and a graduate of Haleyville High School (1955), Claden spent his entire life in this community. As a member of Haleyville football team from 1952-54, Claden was a part of the 1953 team which were undefeated State Champions.
After high school, Claden attended The University of Alabama and soon after marred his wife of 56 years, Barbara Ann Johnson of Birmingham. Soon after, Claden joined the family business, C.W. Knight & Sons Lumber Company, along with his father and brother which became his life’s work. Together, they also owned Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts in Haleyville for many years.
In the mid 70s, along with his brother Billie Knight, he established Great Southern Forest Products. This company was one of the country’s pioneers in the process of pressure treating lumber. Upon his brother’s retirement, Claden’s son Carl joined the company as President and they worked side by side until the time of his retirement in 2018.
Claden served in the Alabama National Guard for 10 years, and as Staff Sargeant, was activated twice in the sixties. He was a devoted member and esteemed Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Haleyville, serving as a Deacon for nearly 50 years, which earned him the distinction of Deacon Ameritus.
Claden was elected County Commissioner of Winston County in 1982. In fact, he made history as one of the first Democrats ever elected in Winston County, Alabama since reconstruction. Perhaps nothing can speak more for a man’s reputation and standing in his community than being an elected Democrat in a county that is historically known as a bastion of support for the Republican party. During his term, he worked closely with Governor George Wallace to rebuild Haleyville Middle School that had been lost in a fire.
After the passing of his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Knight, Claden’s joy in life was restored when he met and married his current wife, Jimmie Marie. They loved each other like a couple of teenagers and shared the kind of marriage most people dream about. Little did he know during their courtship, that she would become his rock, and would sit relentlessly by his side throughout his poor health . Jimmie remained a loving and doting wife until his very last breath and Claden’s family will be forever grateful that he had her by his side through such difficult days.
Throughout his lifetime, Claden remained a generous benefactor to his community. He would never admit it, but he has anonymously supported many members of the community who needed a helping hand.
Next to his beloved wife Jimmie, everyone who knew Claden Knight knew that his second loves were Vintage Cars and Alabama Football (maybe not in that order). Claden never met a car that he couldn’t fix or restore. He was a gifted mechanic, and his knowledge of cars, car parts, and getting them or keeping them running was nothing short of astonishing – he truly was an encyclopedia of automobiles. Over the course of his life, he bought, refurbished and re-sold countless cars in every make and model dating as far back as 1922, right up to the latest Corvette at the dealership. Many of these cars have been passed down in the family and are proudly kept in his honor.
Claden took extreme pride in everything he touched. From his perfectly pressed button-down shirts and jeans, to the grass in his yard, to the companies he ran. Meticulous was his middle name. He wanted nothing but the best for his family and for the community where he was rooted. He was a pillar of this community, supporting local businesses, schools, football programs, churches, and his friends and neighbors.
His children and grandchildren love to quote “Pawpaw”. If you knew Claden, you know he had a way with words that was succinct, witty, and typically peppered with a spicy undertone seeping with strong opinion. You will often find his family sitting around a table laughing at one of his famous quotes, such as “It’ll feel better when it quits hurting”, or “A head like yours is supposed to hurt.” If you want a few more, just ask one of Pawpaw’s kiddos and you’re sure to share a chuckle.
After an extended illness, Claden passed peacefully at the Ridgewood Nursing Home in Jasper, surrounded by his wife and sons. There is no question in our minds that Claden is spending eternity with his heavenly father, whom he served with great devotion throughout his life here on earth.
Paul Bearers:
Harlan Rhyal Knight, II, Grandson
Benjamin Knight, Grandson
Clay Knight, III, Grandson
Wade Knight, Nephew
Lee Horn, Nephew
Matt Warner, Nephew
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry at First Baptist Church in Haleyville. 1103 21st Street, Haleyville, AL
you may leave online condolences at www.pinkardfh.com
