WHEREAS, in special recognition of distinguished and honorable service to Smith County Sheriff’s Department and Smith County, Tennessee, I Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, General Sessions Judge, Branden Bellar, Smith County Sheriff, Steve Hopper, the Smith County Board of Commissioners and the Citizens of Smith County wish to acknowledge Sergeant Deputy Roy Payton Knight, Jr.
WHEREAS Sergeant Knight is a South Carthage native and the son of the late Roy Knight Sr. and Olean Beechboard Knight. For 62 years, he has been married to his high school sweetheart, the former Lois Goolsby Knight of the South Carthage Community. They have one daughter, Ellie Knight Spike and 2 grandsons, Jacob Bray and Peyton Bray and 2 great-grandchildren. Sergeant Knight is a 1959 graduate of Smith County High School, where he received the history award.
He completed auto diesel school in Nashville after high school.
WHEREAS, Sergeant Knight has served his country and community for many years. In 1962, he volunteered for the Army serving for 6 years, 3 of those years in Germany in the 35th 4th Army division under General Westmoreland. He served in the General Custard division during his service time in California in the 14th Calvary and was also stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky for a period of time. Sergeant Knight boarded a ship in New York heading for Germany when he and his shipmates were detoured toward Cuba for further orders at the beginning of the Cold War.
Sergeant Knight later served in the National Guard 1175th unit, and also served as a Military Policeman. Sergeant Knight received the Persian Gulf award, the good conduct medal, the army combination medal 3 times, the Desert Shield award and the sharp-shooter award.
Sergeant Knight retired as First Sergeant after 18 years, 24 years total combined service.
WHEREAS, Sergeant Knight worked for 31 years beginning in 1968 until 1999 at the United States Post Office as a mail carrier, walking around 13 miles a day in the Town of Carthage.
WHEREAS, in 1999, Sergeant Knight began to work for Smith County Sheriff, Johnny Bane and has served under 3 sheriffs. He currently is serving under Sheriff Steve Hopper as Sergeant Deputy in the Court System.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Smith County Mayor, Jeff Mason hereby proclaim June 4, as Sergeant Roy
P. Knight, Jr day.
BE IT RESOLVED that Smith County extends its deepest appreciation to Sergeant Deputy Knight for his dedication and service to Smith County and to the people of Smith County, Tennessee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this recognition is spread upon the permanent minutes of this
Board and that this proclamation is given to Sergeant Deputy Roy P. Knight Jr.
