Senator Joe Nip McKnight

He was born December 4, 1933, in Jackson, TN and grew up in Bemis. Well known as a State Senator and Madison County commissioner, Nip was also a businessman, farmer, college basketball star and friend to many. His passion was public service, helping others, and bringing joy and laughter. He had a big heart, lived a wonderful life and connected with people in every room he entered.

Basketball was the early stage for Nip’s love of athleticism, showmanship and finesse. During his senior year of high school (Bemis High), he led the state in scoring. He went on to play at Memphis State on the traveling squad as a freshman and in his sophomore year, he became co-captain of the team. He then transferred to UT Martin, where he completed his B.S. degree and continued to shine on the ball court. In 1954, he set the all-time scoring record at UT Martin, surpassing his Dad who held the same record for 27 years! He went on to earn a M.A. from Memphis State University.

Early in his career, Nip taught History at South Side High School, and taught and coached basketball in Florida and in Memphis. He worked as a line manager at Martin-Marietta Ammunition plant in Milan, TN for 16 years. Noting that south Jackson-Madison Co., the area in which he was raised, had virtually no representation in local government in the mid-1960’s, he saw a need for leadership and a voice on issues that impacted his community and beyond. He ran and served on the Madison County Court, which later became the Madison County Commission, for 16 years. He co-founded and was the charter president of the South Madison Co. Jaycees and was former director of Farm Bureau.

In 1986, he ran and was elected State Senator serving for two four-year terms. Among many accomplishments during his time as State Senator was the passage and implementation of legislation to help alleviate impacts of the shortage of physicians by enabling nurses to receive additional training to become Nurse Practitioners and medicine prescribers, as a complement to MDs. He worked tirelessly to develop roads and infrastructure, many which supported the successful growth and development of the area today, and to create more and better jobs for West TN. Nip provided leadership in numerous community and state organizations, state and local government committees and was recognized as State Legislator of the Year by many business and healthcare organizations from 1987-1994. He was an active member in the First United Methodist Church, Jackson, TN where he joyfully led a Sunday School class for many years. While living in south Madison Co., he was an active member of the Malesus Methodist United Church.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Maddox McKnight, son, Marvin Maddox (Buddy) McKnight, daughter, Meg McKnight, and grandchildren, Madison and Maddox (children of Buddy and Janna Sipes McKnight). He also leaves extended cherished family including John and Teri Maddox, Arthur Johnson, Jr., nieces, nephews, cousins and countless treasured friends from near and far, including from the First United Methodist Church and the Community Café, both in Jackson TN.

Nip is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin M. (Nip) McKnight and Mary Elizabeth Varnell (Beth) Diffee, and a son, Joseph Nip McKnight.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Visitation will resume on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at First Methodist Downtown Jackson with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery in Malesus.

All expressions of sympathy are welcome. In honor of Nip, please consider sharing a random act of kindness with someone you don't know, or giving to an organization that helps people or animals in need.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the McKnight family.