Ernest McKnight

Mr. Ernest C McKnight, 80, of 2971 McCaw Rd, Sharon, South Carolina, departed this life on Thursday, July 9, 2020 quietly at his home.  He was born January 28, 1940 in Sharon, SC.  He was the tenth of twelve children born to the late Jesse and Lillie Mae Brown McKnight.

Ernest was a man of strong Christian faith, who accepted Christ at an early age and was a very faithful member of Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.  At Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Ernest served as President of the Usher Board, Chief Preacher’s Steward, Arch Leader, Hymn Choir Leader, and Lay Council Life Member.  In the A.M.E. Zion York Chester District, he served on the Usher Team and Lay Council, where he was the Lay Council worship leader and former treasurer.  He also was a member of the Usher team, and Lay Council treasurer for the South Carolina Conference of the AME Zion Church.  Ernest was a servant at heart, and participated wherever there was a need. He loved “Chapel” and gave his best and all to support the mission of the church. He also served as the Treasurer for the Old Blue Branch Presbyterian Church.

Ernest was educated in the rural schools in Sharon, SC.  He later went on to obtain his South Carolina High School Diploma through the York Adult Education program.  Ernest was a partner in his logging business with his brother, George McKnight, for over sixty years!  If you saw one; you saw the other.  Our family gave them the nickname, “Batman and Robin.” They started the business from scratch and managed to acquire equipment to run two large log trucks at one point and employ many family members over the course of their lives. 

To know Ernest was to love and adore him.  He was a quiet man of few words, but like E.F. Hutton, “When he spoke, people listened!” Ernest did not meet a stranger, and always made everyone feel loved and appreciated.  He never spoke a bad or harsh word of anyone, but always encouraged those he encountered to do their best and not to look down on themselves or others. Ernest was committed to his family and friends, as he loved and supported them with his entire heart and soul. There are countless individuals he helped financially, with his time and talents, or through encouraging words. 

A servant after God’s own heart; Ernest was a priest, protector and provider.  He was so proud of his family and loved his wife, Mary, as God has commanded.  God allowed he and Mary to date for ten years and be joined together in marriage for 49 years-- a total of 59 years they shared!  Ernest was there for her through sickness and health, which included her having gone through four years of dialysis and two kidney transplants.  He made sure that Mary got her treatments by any and all means.  An ice storm wasn’t going to stop him from taking Mary to her dialysis treatments. She loves her “Boo,” as she affectionately calls him. If you disparaged or went against Ernest in any negative way, shape or form, you were surely about to catch the wrath from Mary! Ernest carried pictures around of his children and grandchildren the old-fashioned way, in his wallet or as he called it; his “pocketbook.”  He didn’t mind showcasing them. He was a hard worker; oftentimes working from sunup to sundown, which caused him to miss many events, but he supported and was so proud of all of their endeavors and accomplishments.

Preceding him also in death are two brothers, Sammie McKnight and Claude McKnight; and four sisters, Jessie Lee McKnight, Eliza Ann Easter, Lucille Bennett, and Daisy Burris.   

Those who shared joy of Ernest’s life and survived to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years, Mary Moore McKnight, son, Ernest “Marcey” McKnight of Clover, SC and daughter Melissa “Erlene” McKnight Rouse (Wardell) of Rock Hill, SC; three grandchildren Jaylen Roseboro of Grover, NC and Jada and Kennedy Rouse of Rock Hill, SC; two brothers, George McKnight (Sarah) and Johnny McKnight of Sharon, SC; three sisters Carrie Wade of Silver Springs, MD, Rev. Christine McCoy of Sharon, SC and Dorothy Bryant of Baltimore, MD; sisters-in-law; Dora Moore, Mary Long, and Vireen Couser; a brother-in-law, David Moore.  He had a hand in rearing so many nieces and nephews, that we dare not name you all for fear of omitting someone.  Just know that you were a special part of his life, as well as the many cousins and friends that were very dear to him. 

Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Wilson Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery with Rev. Forrest Woodard presiding.  Interment will immediately follow services.  All blue-collar workers are encouraged to meet the funeral procession on Woodlawn Street in Sharon, SC in their work vehicles at 9:30 prior to the service. Face masks are encouraged for the health and safety of all at the graveside.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2020 at the funeral home.*

*In accordance with City of York ordinance, face masks must be worn inside the building and social distancing rules will apply.  Our facility can hold maximum 50 persons based on our square footage.  You may be subject to temperature scans upon entry.  Please be mindful and respectful of these restrictions for everyone's health and safety.

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