Benny Rae Knight passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at the age of 84 in Sun City Center, Fla.

Benny was born on Aug. 24, 1936, in Lake Charles, La., son of the late Mae L. Bennett (nee Giroir) and the late Leo M. Knight.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leo “Buddy” Knight Jr, Clarence Knight; and sister, Leona Bledsoe.

Benny grew up in Lake Charles, La., graduating from Lake Charles High School in 1956. He served in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1975. During his Navy career, he served on the USS Antietam, USS Randolph, and the USS Shangri-La. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington while pursuing his 30-year career as an engineer with Lockheed Martin. He returned to Lake Charles in 2005 to enjoy his golden years in his beloved Louisiana. A proud Cajun, Benny modeled a joie de vivre attitude towards life. He loved traveling, horse racing, cigars, and above all else, fishing.

Benny is survived by his four children, Wayne Knight (Renee) of Indianapolis, Eileen Mueller (Scott) of Tampa, Fla., Christopher Knight (Deborah) of Syracuse, N.Y.,  and Tiffany Knight of New York City; five grandchildren, Cyrena Knight, Aaron Knight (Crystal), Caitlin Knight (Cameron), Jennifer Knight, and Zachary Mueller; two great-grandchildren: Hunter and Jack; two sisters, Irma Carnahan of Lake Charles, La. and Shirley White (Larry) of Atlanta, Ga.; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at the National Cremation and Burial Society Chapel in Ruskin, Fla with a livestream available at www.bennyknightmemorial.com. Interment at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. will be held at a later date.