CURTIS LEE MCKNIGHT

Curtis Lee McKnight was born in Lovelady, Texas on June 12, 1948, to  J.T. McKnight and Idella Stubblefield.  He was the last child and only son born to his mother, so it was no surprise to know that he was spoiled by his mother and three older sisters.

Curtis was a mischievous and curious little boy, but his grandmother, who was affectionately called Mama Gert, was very hands-on in rearing her grandchildren, did not spare the rod.  He got his fair share of whippings. 

Curtis started attending school in the Houston Independent School District, but never adjusted to the big city schools with a lot of people.  Less was always better for him and he returned to the country to finish his secondary education at Center Grove in the small town of Lovelady.

He gained his formative education at Center Grove Elementary, Middle and High School, graduating from Center Grove High School in 1967.  As a student, he played varsity football during his middle and high school years.

Curtis was drafted into the United States Army while he was in college.  He served his country during the Vietnam war and received an honorable discharge in the 1960’s.

His first church home, where he learned about Jesus, was Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lovelady, Texas.  After relocating to Houston, Texas, he joined Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor T.J.Compton.  In April 2013, he joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas where he remained a faithful member until his transition.

Curtis and Mable Samuel were united in Holy Matrimony.  This union was blessed with three children: one daughter, Porsha, and two sons, Corey and Kelley. On October 6, 1969, Curtis gained employement with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.  He gave over 30 years of dedicated service and retired on April 30, 2006 as a Warden.

On June 22, 2025, Curtis Lee McKnight entered into the realm of eternity.  He was preceded in transition by his son (Corey), mother (Idella Patterson), father (J.T. McKnight), step-mother (Ruby Faye McKnight) and two sisters (Mayme Wooten, Norma O’Neil).

He was dearly loved by those who are left to cherish his memory including his son, Kelley McKnight; daughter, Porsha Marino (Joey); grandchildren: Makaela Patterson, Kai McKnight, Braylen Patterson, Havyn McKnight, Alexah Hartsfield, Mia Williams, Gabriella McKnight; two  sisters, Joyce McKnight Young, Patsye Chandler (James)l; two brothers, Darrell McKnight (Kim), Tommy McKnight; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and former co-laborers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.

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