Mr. Knight
MILANO—George Ray Knight Jr., lovingly known as Ray, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 16, 2025, at the age of 45.
R ay wa s born on Dec. 26, 1979, at Baylor Scott & White in Temple to George Ray Knight Sr. and Lynda Jean Kornegay-Knight.
From a young age, he carried a strong work ethic and a love for life that never faltered. He dedicated his career to masonry, where he became known for his endurance, determination, and the pride he took in his craft.
Beyond his work, Ray carried an unwavering love for the Lord, finding strength and comfort in his faith.
He had a passion for hunting and the great outdoors, finding peace in the simplicity of being surrounded by nature.
Friends and family will forever remember his sharp wit, his lively spirit and, most of all, the boundless love he carried for his family.
Ray is survived by his three sons, George Robert Knight, Caleb Grant Knight and Chase Ray Knight.
He is also survived by his loving partner, Doris Lynn Taylor, and his three sisters, Gwendolyn Marie Knight-Overturf and husband Tom Overturf of Gause, Sharon Michelle Knight-Burress and husband Micha Burress of Lorena, Tiffanny Micheal Knight-Benham and husband Richard Benham of Franklin.
His memory will live on through his many nieces and nephews: Waylon Texas Overturf, Zeke Evritt Overturf, Savannah Nicole Smith, Jeremiah St. John Ybarra Jr., Madelynn Paige Ybarra, Whitney Lynn Buckholt-Baker, Randall James Buckholt Jr., Kourtni Jean Benham and Kalli Ray Benham; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews: Jhase Micheal Baker, Bellamy Lynn Baker, Skarlette Annette Smith, Emberly Michelle Smith, Barrett George Smith, Fallon Grace Buckholt and Bailey May Daniels.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, George Ray Knight Sr. and Lynda Jean Kornegay-Knight; grandparents Owen Napoleon and Dorothy Gwendolyn Knight; grandparents A.W. and Margie Marie Kornegay; cousin Greta Arlene Wadlington; cousin Douglas Wayne Stewart; uncle Owen Leon Knight; uncle Walter “Pokey” Brown Jr.; and uncle Michael Wayne Kornegay.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, also at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Randall Buckholt Jr., Tom Overturf, Richard Benham, Richard Smith, Walter Brown III, Owen Knight, Michael Ybarra, Tyler Endsley and Lucas Roach.
Honorary pallbearers will be Micha Burress, Andrew Thurman, Matthew Thurman, Blake Burns, Rhett Endsley, Clint Popham and Joe Vanwinkle.
Though his time here was far too brief, Ray lived each day to the fullest—sharing his humor, his love, and his adventurous spirit with all who had the gift of knowing him.