Deacon John Knighton, Sr. was born October 1, 1923, in Terrell County, Georgia to the late Worthey Knighton and George Ann Knighton.

He received his formal education in the Terrell County Public School System.   Throughout school, he was a very bright and inquisitive young man who garnered much from his educational experiences.

As a youth, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior; was baptized; and received the "right hand of fellowship" into the body of Christ at Sanders Gift Baptist Church in Sasser, Georgia.  Through the years, he faithfully availed himself in Christian service and was unfaltering in his devotion and calling as a Deacon.  He was a prayerful, humble man who didn't mind telling everyone about the goodness of God.  His encouraging words and the examples that he set served as blessings for many people.  Deacon Knighton was rooted and grounded in the Lord, and he stayed on the battlefield until his health declined.

In 1952, he was united in holy matrimony his life-long mate, Ruth Walls.  They shared a love that was strong and a devotion to each other that was unshakeable.  Together, they worked to provide a home filled with love and support for their six children.  Deacon Knighton was a loving husband and father whose family was the joy of his life.  Over the years, he worked untiringly at Coats & Clark to provide for his family and to ensure their well-being.  He was a loyal, dedicated employee; took great pride in his work and a job well done; and retired after rendering 28 years of exceptional service.

Deacon Knighton was a strong but gentle man whose heart was filled with kindness, care, and compassion for those that he knew and encountered.  He was a friend you could count on, a great listener and confidant, and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  His responsiveness and kindness to all people are lasting tributes to the beauty of his heart and soul.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of his life.

On Monday, August 16, 2021, Deacon Knighton's 97-year journey ended, and he quietly transitioned to eternal peace and rest with the Lord.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Walls Knighton; his son, James Swan; and twenty-two siblings.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Helen Knighton, Ellen (John) Watson, John Knighton, Jr., Jacqueline Knighton, and Terry (Donna) Knighton all of Albany, Georgia; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.