Fred Knight

Earl Frederick Knight, Jr., “Fred” Florida native and longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed from this life to his eternal home on April 5, 2010. He was born in Palmetto, FL, son of the late Earl Frederick and Laura (Skene) Knight and moved to Jacksonville as a child. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High in the class of 1946. Fred, a master craftsman, founded Antique and Modern Furniture Shop in 1951 with his father. Fred was also a retired Major of the Florida National Guard, and drummer of the John Jelinek Orchestra for many years.

Fred was predeceased by his first wife, Janet S. Knight.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty A. Knight, seven daughters, Cindy (Billy) Patterson, Karen (Kenny) Helton, Andrea (Mark) Duke, Christi (Russell) Leboff, Tammy (Buddy) Dugger, Karen Linton and Janice (Bobby) Andrews, 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many other relatives and dear friends.

Family will greet friends at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., 32207, on Thursday, April 8 from 6 – 8 pm . A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 11:00 am at Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church, 1620 Naldo Ave., 32207. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bowen’s Mill Christian Center, 105 Gathering Place Rd., Fitzgerald, GA, 31750.