Obituaries

On Tuesday, March 8,2022, Franklin Wayne Knight, entered Heaven.

Wayne was born on February 24, 1948, in Tyler, Texas, to Bill and AvaNell Knight. After graduating from Sherman High School in 1966, he attended Grayson County Junior College. He later received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree. He also received an honorary doctorate degree.

Wayne was an outstanding athlete during his high school years. His parents instilled a love of sports with all their children. Through the years, Wayne and his siblings enjoyed many fun and competitive times playing golf, tennis, and table games. Wayne also coached high school football for many years and he and Connie never missed any of their children’s games. Wayne loved snow skiing and water skiing. He loved his yearly hunting trips in Colorado, and one big highlight of hunting season was a trip to Alaska.

Wayne and Connie were high school sweethearts. They married after high school graduation and were married for over 50 years. They shared a wonderful life together. They loved to travel going to Hawaii, the Holy Lands, Italy, England and annual beach trips with their kids and grandkids.

Wayne loved the Lord and served in the ministry most of his life. His ministry began in a very unique way. Wayne’s father was a pastor and at the age of 12, Wayne sat in the front pew to lead the song services. He had a beautiful voice and served in several churches as music director. Even in high school, his desire was to tell everyone about the Lord. As he began in ministry, the Lord used him as a Youth Director, Bus Director, Music Director, Associate Pastor and Pastor. He served at Calvary Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas, Northside Baptist Church in Snyder, Texas, Northgate Baptist Church in Irving, Texas, Crestview Baptist Church in Irving, Texas and Hilltop Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Connie was by his side, happily serving others while encouraging and supporting Wayne. They especially loved developing friendships with church members as well as all the different missionaries they met. He loved visiting with them and hosting them in their home. Many lifetime friendships were made and their lives were enriched at each church they called home. One of the highlights of Wayne’s ministry was speaking at the Central Asian Conference in Kyvi (Kiev), Ukraine. He was one of four American pastors who was invited to speak. He helped promote the work that is reaching many Muslims to Christ.

Wayne and Connie have three children: Michele Renee Knight, Christopher Todd Knight (Lisa), and Megan Nicole Deti (Cody). He was a devoted father and his prayer was that they would grow to be women and men who loved God. He and Connie passed the love of competition and sports down through their children and grandchildren, spending countless hours playing games. They have six grandchildren: Karly Knight, Will Knight, John Knight, Sam Deti, Maddisyn Deti, and Emma Deti.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Bill Knight. He is survived by his wife, Connie Knight; his mother, Ava Nell Oldacker; his stepfather, Harold Oldacker; daughter, Michele Renee Knight; son, Christopher Todd Knight (Lisa); daughter, Megan Nicole Deti (Cody); six grandchildren: Karly Knight, Will Knight, John Knight, Sam Deti, Maddisyn Deti and Emma Deti; sisters Tona Priddy (Bob) and Connice Inglis; brother, Allen Knight (Johna); sister-in-law/brother-in-law Jacki Cooper and Ron Cooper; brother-in-law, Scott Hensley; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude for the excellent care Wayne received from Visionary Care and Birdie Palliative Care and Hospice. Special thanks to Alexis, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Dan for the wonderful care you gave. What a blessing you are!

Services will be held on Friday, March 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Dannel Funeral Home, 302 S. Walnut, Sherman, Texas.