of Bee Branch, AR

July 15, 1942 - March 24, 2024

Harold Dean McKnight, 81, of Bee Branch entered Heaven's gate March 24, 2024. Born July 15, 1942, he was a son of Earl Barrett and Gladys French McKnight.

Dean was an athlete. Starting with his days as a South Side Hornet, through playing American Legion baseball, to refereeing high school basketball, he loved sports. From bowling to golf, Dean excelled at most sports he tried.

He was an avid quail hunter, a card shark and he would beat you in dominos because he knew what bones you had before you played them. He loved cars, ice cream, storytelling, fast food and people watching, particularly from his bench as the unofficial greeter at Clinton Walmart.

A pipefitter/welder, he was a proud member of Local 155 of the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters, joining in 1964. His work took him across the country, from helping to build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, to Cleveland, to Wood River, IL, with many stops in between. Dean was a ''welder's welder'' known for his perfect finish work. He finished his career with IHP Industrial, mainly working at Arkansas Kraft paper mill in Morrilton.

Dean was a lifelong member of Pleasant Valley General Baptist Church, serving as a deacon since 1973. His love for the Lord and his church family led to him being a Sunday School teacher; an off-tune choir member and potluck taste tester. Dean never hesitated to pray with or witness to anyone, offering encouraging words and sharing his faith with everyone he met.

He married Sandra Kaye Shannon in 1963. Despite being total opposites, they spent 50 years together before her passing. They raised a family filled with love and wise cracks. Dean was a great Daddy, but he found his calling at being ''PaPa Dino.'' His family was his proudest accomplishment.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sisters, Esther Jo McKnight and Carolyn Hall; brother, Jamie McKnight; son-in-law, Steve Atkinson and grandpup, Scratch.

He is survived by his son, Michael Regan McKnight of Damascus; daughter, Shannon DeAnna Atkinson of Houston (Perry County); daughter, Brooke Caroline McKnight-Gross and husband, Glenn of Little Rock; grandson, Barrett McKnight; granddaughter, Michelle Rhoda and husband, Cherokee; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Bo, Tucker and Max; sisters, Anna Jean Thomas of Hot Springs Village and Judy Thornton of Springdale and brothers, Freddy McKnight of Alexandria, LA and Roger McKnight of Bee Branch.

Funeral will be Friday, March 29th at 2 pm at Pleasant Valley General Baptist Church, 5153 Hwy 92 W, Bee Branch, AR with Bro. Randell Byrd officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 28th from 5-8 pm at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, AR.

Pallbearers are Regan McKnight, Barrett McKnight, Cherokee Rhoda, Glenn Gross, Bart McKnight, Brett McKnight, Scott Thomas, Jack McKnight and Bruce Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Little Rock Compassion Center, 3618 W Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, AR 72204.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
Highway 65 South
Clinton, AR  72031
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com