Richard Oscar Knight

Richard O. Knight, 91, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, passed from his earthly life to one of heavenly glory on January 11, 2024.  He was born on May 18, 1932, in Point Cedar, Arkansas, to Lincoln O. and Leona C. Adcock Knight.  He married the love of his life, Wanda Garrett Knight on January 17, 1953.

He was a 1950 graduate of Bismarck High School, and he remained close to fellow graduates through the years. He was employed by Oberman Manufacturing in 1952 and Levi Strauss in 1962.  In 1970, he was promoted to manager of Levi Strauss in Arkadelphia, and he later served as manager of The Levi plant in Blackstone, Virginia. He remained with the company until his retirement.

Richard was active in community and church organizations. He was a member of The Arkadelphia Lions Club, and he served as secretary treasurer for Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church.  He was a long-time member of The Point Cedar Fire Department Board of Directors, and he served as President of The Free Hill Cemetery Board in Point Cedar. He was a Master Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge of Arkadelphia where he also served as the treasurer and over the years held other elected positions.

He presently attended First Assembly of God Church in Arkadelphia.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his loving wife, Wanda Knight; three sisters: Dorothy Bettigrew, Dorcus Tate and Doris Wilder; in laws: E.J. Tate, Rufus Wilder, Carl Garrett, Billy Bishop, Phillip Halstead, Bobby Garrett and Bobby and Barbara Wofford.

He is survived by two daughters: Dr. Lynne Knight Dardenne and her husband, Ray of Point Cedar and Debbie Knight Harrington and her husband, Cliff of Benton, Arkansas; three grandchildren: Matthew Richard Dardenne and his wife, Ashli of Bentonville, Arkansas, Laura Harrington Westbrook and her husband, Jess and Amy Harrington Ford and her husband, Clay of Benton. He was blessed with eleven great grandchildren: Michael Dardenne, Madilyn Dardenne, Seth Dardenne, Evie Dardenne, Brooklyn Dardenne, Kase Westbrook, Kyle Westbrook, Kate Westbrook, Campbell Ford, Henry Ford and Major Ford. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Knight and his wife, Ruth; in-laws: Carroll and Betty Rogers of Curtis, Lethea Bishop and Phyllis Halstead, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with Nathan Rogers and Matthew Dardenne officiating. Visitation with family will be one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens following the service.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Dardenne, Seth Dardenne, Clay Ford, Michael Knight, Robert Lambert, Randy Tate, Dakota Wesley, Jarod Wesley, Jeff Rogers and Jess Westbrook. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of The Arkadelphia Masonic Lodge.

Memorials may be made to The Point Cedar Fire Department, Free Hill Cemetery Fund or First Assembly of God Church in Arkadelphia.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.  www.ruggleswilcox.com