Robert Rankin Knight

Reidsville: Robert Rankin Knight, 75, of 185 Wright Dairy Rd. At 1:41 on the morning of November 21, 2014, Robert Rankin Knight – friend to many, farmer, lover of learning, skilled craftsman of many arts, a man of remarkable character… but most especially a beloved husband and father – was let slip from the circles of the world and entered into the presence of the God that he loved. He was surrounded by his family as children held his hands. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 23, 2014, at Midway United Methodist Church with Rev. Jonathan Marlowe, Rev. George Roberson and Rev. Dr. Charles Howell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Born on March 10, 1939, Robert was the son of Walter Pinkney Knight and Estelle Wright Knight. From an early age Robert discovered a love for the outdoors and the enjoyment of working with his hands. After graduating from the original Reidsville High School, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy and served as engineer’s mate aboard the U.S.S. Northampton. After his time in the Navy ended Robert returned to Reidsville and became a dairy farmer on his family’s ancestral land in the Midway community. In 1970 Robert married and in the years following became the father of two children: upon each of whom he bestowed the value of hard work, the quality of persistence, the advantage of having an education and to never stop learning, and the honor to do what is right. Robert was a dairy farmer for more than two decades, applying his skill and creativity toward implementing solutions to everything that comes with being a small businessman: he often would be found fabricating pieces and equipment with his handy acetylene torch. It was a talent that he was ever eager to bring to the aid of those who requested it of him. In 1986 Robert left the dairy business and became plant operator at Martin Marietta Aggregates outside of Reidsville. In 1989, on a lark, he took a welding class at Rockingham Community College. That one-semester class turned into a three-year devotion to earning a certificate in industrial maintenance: a prize he earned at the age of 53. Soon afterward he was put in charge of welding procedures and equipment maintenance at the plant. Robert enjoyed many hobbies, including his most especially beloved of all: knifemaking. Self-taught at first, he soon began taking many classes in the art of forging blades: something he spent much time pursuing in his beloved shop. Robert became skilled in the legendary art of crafting Damascus steel blades. He was an active member of the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild and was always an enthusiastic supporter and promoter of the organization and its work. But his skills were not limited to metal. Robert was exceptionally gifted in woodworking, and produced many items, including many bookcases, for loved ones and eager commissioners of his craftsmanship. Robert retired from Martin Marietta in 2008. In addition to continuing his artisan pursuits, he became an energetic volunteer for a number of farmers in the country. As recently as a month before his passing he was helping a friend pull in tobacco. Robert Knight was the embodiment of resolve, of resilience, of humbleness, of humor and wit, of the strength to always do what is right, of the persistence to achieve no matter where one is in life, the enjoyment of creativity, loving and cherishing others, and more than anything else a quiet and sincere devotion to God. He was never a man to wear his faith on his sleeve… but that he never sought reward or recompense or recognition for his actions spoke volumes of the depth of his character and the integrity of his walk with God. Robert was a lifelong member of Midway United Methodist Church in Reidsville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Ruby Roberts Knight; as well as his mother, his father, and many others who have gone on into the presence of God. He is survived by son Robert Christopher Knight of the home and daughter Anita Christine Knight of Dunn, NC. He is also survived by his sister Kathryn Knight Joyce and brother-in-law Franklin Joyce. Robert is also survived by a very special friend, Jennie Banfield of Reidsville. He is also survived by many, many family members and a lifetime’s worth of friends and co-workers. The family will receive friends and family on Saturday evening November 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times the family will be at his sister’s home, 152 Butler Ave. Wilkerson Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.