John Carlton Knight, 90, affectionately called "POP" by many and known as "Jug" by those from the greatest generation, entered eternal rest, at home on Whitemarsh Island on July 9, 2014, surrounded by his loving and much beloved family. He was born in Gordon, GA and was the son of Earnest Clyde Knight, Sr. and Mattie DeLoach Knight.
He is survived by the love of his life and dance partner for of 65 years, Claire McGrady Knight, his children Cindy and Craig Meyer, Carlton and Jeanie Knight, and Cheri Knight, all of Savannah. His grandchildren Leigh and George Ryan, Trey and Mimi Knight, Richard and Lindsey Knight, Matthew, Daniel and Wesley Knight, his great granddaughters Cynthia Caroline and Lizzie Claire Ryan, sisters Cornelia Dowling, Pat Getz, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished. He was predeceased in death by his son, Rick, grandson Brian and brothers Frank, Earnest, DeLoach, and Harold Knight and sister Carolyn Bradley.
His family moved to Savannah in 1931 and he graduated from Commercial High School following service in the U. S. Army 736th F.A.B.N. having served in World War II under General Patton which took him through France, Germany, Luxembourg and the "Battle of the Bulge". Returning to Savannah in 1946 he re-entered the Service by enlisting in the 230th Field Artillery Unit (FA) of the Georgia National Guard which later became the 118th FA. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1951 and retired 20 years later as a Major.
He began his civilian working career with Southern Paperboard later known as Stone Container Corporation from which he retired after 37.5 years in 1985.
He was honored as a 50 year member of Zerubbabel Masonic Lodge #15, a Past President of the Greeters Unit of Alee Temple, the Chatham Artillery and Irish Jasper Greens. He was a member of the Tybee Lite Masonic Lodge, Republican Blues, Tybee Light Shrine Club and the Tybee Dawgs.
In the 1960's he spent many long hours coaching the Bacon Park Eagles youth football team and B & B Paint little league baseball team, of which enjoyed great success, comradery and served to strengthen the character of the young men who participated. After he retired he spent his time working with fellow Shriners raising funds to benefit children in need of medical services and perfecting the art of baking pound cakes.
The family would like to recognize Spanish Oaks Hospice for their service, the caregivers for their compassion and the dear friends who supported the family.
A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 3:00 PM at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church where he attended until his recent illness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to Alee Shrine Temple or Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church at 1008 East Henry Street, Savannah, GA 31401.