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
Sign Guestbook
40 Condolence(s)
Shawna Nunez
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
I am so heartbroken to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a wonderful man. He was a dear friend of the family. Prayers for his family. Paul will forever be loved and missed!
Paula Bone Smith
Thursday, May 11, 2023
I met Paul at Central Chevrolet thru my uncle, Buddy Gregson again when my late husband, Wayne Smith, photographed Roller Funeral Homes employees. My condolences to Paul’s family. God bless each of you
Aaron J. Dodson
Saturday, March 25, 2023
I’ve lived in Jonesboro about 5 years now. We were new to the area and would frequently see Mr. Paul and Mrs. Loretta out and about in town. They were always so friendly and kind. Over the years mine and Mr. Paul’s work intersected because of preaching and funeral home work. I was blessed to know him. My prayers are with his family in your loss.
Christie and Jeff Mink
Sunday, March 12, 2023
What a sweet, sweet man Mr Paul was. Jeff used to keep up with how many years we were married by the number of cars Paul sold us. Paul always made sure we were taken care of at the dealership, but it was more than just a sale for Paul. He was always genuinely interested in our family. He was always telling us stories about his granddaughters. He made sure we chose a safe, reliable but “cool†car when our oldest was ready to drive. He reminded her about safety just like it was his own grandchild. I’ll never forget that. He always had a smile and a big hug for me everytime I saw him. He was just a joy to be around. I’m so happy that I get to work with his granddaughter Audrey who is so much like Paul. He will be missed! I have no doubt he is sitting at the feet of Jesus making everyone laugh!
Stephanie DuBus
Sunday, March 12, 2023
I am so very sorry to learn of his loss. I have so many wonderful memories of your family.
Gary and Vickie Henry
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Loretta, Terri, and Paula. We have just today learned about your loss of Paul . No words could describe his love and heart for GOD and also for his family. He will be missed by so many people. Our prayers are with you all. ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Connie Stevenson
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Loretta: I always loved Paul coming to my office at the bank. He always had a smile and such an upbeat personality. May God provide you the peace knowing he is at rest with his savior.
Dinah Rushing
Saturday, March 11, 2023
I know you all are missing him greatly. May GOD give you HIS peace and comfort in knowing that your loved one is made complete and walking with our LORD SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Michael Jarrett
Friday, March 10, 2023
I will miss your laughter and your jokes Paul. I was proud to call you my brother in law it's was blessing knowing you. Love you Mike.
Stacy
Friday, March 10, 2023
My prayers are with you as you go throughout these next few days, weeks, months. He was such a sweet man with a gentle and caring soul. Praying for peace and comfort for each of you.
David McNutt
Friday, March 10, 2023
Loretta, Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed talking with Paul at our class reunions. He seemed like a great Christian man and husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you and for you and may God bless you and your family. With Christian love and friendship always.——-David & Stacy McNutt
Brenda Gibson Lane
Friday, March 10, 2023
I am so thankful that we had such a great visit recently. I enjoyed hearing his stories from our 1960's during our time at Weiner. Paul was a great man and I'm honored to have known him.
Ruby Snyder Perkins
Thursday, March 9, 2023
So sorry to see that Paul has passed away we grew up on one street over from him in Weiner he had so many friends never was a dull moment with Himaround I’m sure there is a great reunion going on right now He will be missed Ruby Snyder Perkins
Patti Abell
Thursday, March 9, 2023
To My dearest friend Loretta, my thoughts and prayers are with you Terri, Paula & family during this time. I have fond memories when first meeting you guys during our ASU days. â¤ï¸ðŸ™Patti
Jordan Prater
Thursday, March 9, 2023
He always had a big smile on his face, and I love that he passed that quality down to you Paula!! Love y’all!
Harold Tinsley
Thursday, March 9, 2023
I am sorry for your loss I have known Paul since his days as a parts man at Patton Motor in the late sixties. Every time that I saw him, he was always smiling and upbeat. He always seemed to enjoy his work at Rollers after he left Central Chevrolet. He will be dearly missed.
Ray Keller
Thursday, March 9, 2023
i grew up always knowing paul and his family. his mom and dad lived near us. my dad was paul's high school agri teacher and he always said paul was certainly one of his favorite students. he always lived his life respecting others and we always enjoyed doing business with him.
prayers for the family from the Kenneth Keller family , ray keller and kaye keller brown
Christine Flanagan
Thursday, March 9, 2023
His smile and Witt will be memorably kept. He wil be missed
Maribeth Thomas
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Loretta, Terri, and Paula,
I’m so sad for you and know there is a deep hole in your hearts. Paul was such a good man and he will be sorely missed. Praying for you as you figure out life without him.
Much love to you all.
Maribeth and Pat
Joyce & Ray Sandy
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with all of the family as this sad time. Paul was a great Christian man and a friend. He will be missed.
Lisa Cole Hathcoat
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Loretta,Paula Terri & family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
When I think of my childhood I recall you all & the wreck my parents had on the way to your house, for me to spend the night with Paula. Collecting Rolly pollies with Paula in kindergarten & going to church with you guys. Most of all, I think of Paul's contagious smile!
Prayers for you all.
Paula, I Love you!
LisaH
Phillip and Barbara Weese
Thursday, March 9, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Daddy's are so very special. We will be praying for you and your family. This road will be long and hard, but it is not one that is not negotiable. It has been 10 years for me and there are still HUGE potholes. We love you guys so much!
Leigh Ann Reed
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Loretta and girls, I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was a fine man, and I know you will miss him dearly.
Donnie and Sandy Davis
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Paula and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Donnie always enjoyed working with your dad and thought of him highly.
Susan Gray ( Orr )
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Mr Paul was a very nice man he sold my family 2 car and I attended church at Jonesboro Christin church when I was a teenager.He was a godly man .May God be with his family.
Liza
Thursday, March 9, 2023
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Prayers to all your family.
Liza & Tommy
Harold and Wanda Ferguson
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Sympathy for the entire family for the loss of Paul. He will be missed by many people.
Harold and Wanda Ferguson
Tom jackson
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family
Stacey Riggs
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for you all!
Darcy Johnson
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Paul was a very sweet man he will be missed .
Donald and Glenda Glenn
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
We are so sorry to hear about Paul he was a school mate and one of my good buddies, God be with the family during the coming days.
Mary Kastel
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Our family is so sorry for your loss and praying for you.
Lisa Manthey Watkins
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Terri, Mrs. McKnight and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Deloris & Larry Tolbert
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you Loretta & your family during this time of sadness. Paul was a good friend & will be missed by many. We send prayers to all of you.
Deloris & Larry Tolbert
Traci Perrin
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
My prayers, heart, and thoughts go out to Loretta, family, colleagues, and friends. Paul will be missed by many. God bless you with peace and comfort as you reflect on many great memories.
Shelia Mckinney
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Terri Tyner and her family
Shelia Mckinney
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Terri Tyner and her family
Karen Arnold
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Terri and family prayers for you and your family during this time.
Darrah Lane
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Mr. Paul was such a big part of my childhood. He was a sweet man, with a great smile and laugh.
Dan and Phyllis Scott
Monday, March 6, 2023
We loved Paul and your whole family. Always enjoyed running into each other Sunday night at Cracker Barrel.