of Jonesboro, AR

July 18, 1938 - March 5, 2023

Benjamin Paul McKnight of Jonesboro, AR passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 at St. Bernard's Medical Center at the age of 84. He was born July 18, 1938 in Weiner, AR to Benjamin Carl and Una Mae (Hughes) McKnight. He graduated from Weiner High School in 1956. Paul met and married the love of his life, Loretta Jarrett McKnight in 1963 and they have been married for 59 years. Paul worked for Central Chevrolet for 46 years before retiring. After retiring, he worked for Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home for 5 years. Paul loved gardening, going to his grandkid's activities, selling cars, decorating for the holidays, meeting new people, reading and telling jokes. He was an elder and charter member of the Jonesboro Christian Church.

Paul proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.
Rank: Sgt E-5
Duties: Administrative clerk and Embarkation NCO in the Battalion office.
Served in the following places: Okinawa, Korea, South China Seas, Laos, Barstow, CA and Camp Pendleton, CA
Interesting facts: I was involved in ''The Bay of Pigs'' in Laos in March of 1960.
On the way to Okinawa, we stopped at Hawaii for two days. I met Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson there on a movie set. We also got to visit the US Arizona Museum.
Dates Served: August 5, 1958-August 4, 1962

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Elma Faye Kautt; brothers-in-law, Johny Kautt and Kenny Miller and his lifelong friend, Dale Wright.

Those left behind to cherish the wonderful memories of Paul include his loving wife, Loretta; daughters, Terri Lynn (Peyton) Tyner and Paula Dione (Barry) Riggs; grandchildren, Gracie (Josh) Cook, Audrey (Blake) Guinn, Zachary (Alison) Riggs, Chloe Tyner and Madison Riggs; great-grandchildren, Jonah Wayne Cook and one on the way and a sister, Cora Etta Miller.

Chapel services will be 12 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro with David Paul Kautt and Vance McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

The visitation will precede the service beginning at 10 am.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Zachary Riggs, Josh Cook, Blake Guinn, Dylan Wallis, Trevor Meadors, Cory Meadors, Tyler Meadors and Mike Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be the faithful men of the Jonesboro Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests lasting memorials be made in Paul's honor to the Jonesboro Christian Church, 1700 Loberg Lane, Jonesboro, AR 72401 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:33,34

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com