Clarence Edward McKnight Jr.

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Clarence Edward McKnight, Jr. died peacefully at home on July 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old and was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 65 years, the former Barbara Jean Jamison.

“Mac” McKnight was born on September 9, 1929 in Memphis, Tennessee. His drive and leadership were evident early in life as he captained his high school baseball team and graduated as salutatorian of his class. Mac entered the United States Military Academy with the class of 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He graduated from West Point as a Signal Corps officer while the country was at war in Korea. He later completed studies at the University of Michigan for a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering.

General McKnight’s leadership spanned two of the nation’s most bitter conflicts, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, during which he led soldiers at the platoon and battalion level, respectively. After Vietnam, he went on to command a Signal battalion, two Signal Groups, and the 5th Signal Command in Germany during the height of the Cold War. In addition to his command of tactical and strategic communications commands, he served as the Deputy Commandant and the Commandant of the Signal Training Center, and was Commanding General of Fort Gordon, Georgia.

His contributions to the Army reached their height when he became the first 3-star commander of the Army Communications Command, a global command of more than 33,000 soldiers and civilians spread throughout fourteen countries based at Ft. Huachuca, AZ . General McKnight’s military career took him around the world, as he served in Korea, France, Germany, India, El Salvador, Panama, Vietnam, and the United States. Mac moved with his family 33 times in 35 years, finally settling in the Washington, D.C. area for his final assignment as the Director of Command, Control, and Communications in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During his career, General McKnight was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters). He also holds the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (with the third Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army War College Distinguished Graduate Award and the West Point Distinguished Graduate Award (2008). He was often described as being a “soldiers’ soldier”. He held high regard for the NCOs in his command.

Upon his retirement from active duty in 1987, General McKnight continued his extensive involvement in national-level telecommunications in the private sector. He worked for Booze Allen Hamilton for 12 years. He then spearheaded the development of the Community Learning and Information Network and DVSI. As friends and family can attest, Mac truly never retired and his devotion to our country was steadfast He was a proponent of life-long learning, and he found great purpose in continuing to provide leadership and counsel on matters pertaining to national security. at He was a faithful member of the Protestant congregation at the Ft Myer post chapel for many years. His one lifetime hobby was enjoying a game of golf with his friends on Saturday mornings.

Living in the DC area was a constant source of inspiration for him as he enjoyed being at “the pulse of the nation”. McKnight authored two books about his military career and the use of technology in communications, From Pigeons to Tweets, and Too Much is Not Enough, about data in the digital age. Locals might have heard Mac sing old standards during lunch at The Prime Rib in DC. or seen him meeting friends at Mylos Grill in McLean. Mac was affectionately referred to as “The General”. Family and friends will miss his wit, Southern charm, and faithfulness.

General McKnight is survived by his two daughters, Lynn Pickard and Marsha McKnight. He will also be dearly missed by his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services and burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a future date.

A chapel service for General McKnight will be held at Old Post Chapel located at 204 Arlington Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. followed by a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. Guests should arrive to the Hatfield Gate at Fort Myer with a government issued photo ID and proceed to the visitor center to attain a visitor's pass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in General McKnight’s memory to West Point, The Signal Corp Museum at Fort Gordon, GA, or The Heritage Foundation.