Mr. George R. Knight Sr., 77, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, surrounded by his family at Townsend Park Health and Rehab. A native of Bartow County, born Feb. 22, 1934, he was the son of the late Willie Knight and the late Lucy Tiny McEntyre Knight. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, W.C. Knight; his sister, Betty Sue Buttrum; and his son-in-law, Bobby Ferrell Ray.

George was a member of Morning View Baptist Church and retired from Hillsbrook Company as Plant Manager. He graduated from Pine Log High School and attended Reinhardt College. He was always active in sports, winning a basketball scholarship and winning a basketball championship. He also enjoyed jogging and was a private pilot.

Survivors include his loving wife, Dot Knight; his son and daughter-in-law, Randy Knight and wife, Carla Tidwell Knight; his daughter, Vanessa Lynn Knight Ray Warlick; his grandchildren, Courtney Ray, Chip Warlick, Jacob Knight and Katie Knight; his great-granddaughter, Lauren Ray; and special niece, Quinn Knight Hood.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 in the chapel of Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Rev. Sammy Burgess and Rev. E.C. Chatham officiating. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Courtney Ray, Chip Warlick, Jacob Knight, Frank Ray, Billy Bell and Hoyt Campbell. Katie Knight and Lauren Ray will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in memory of George to The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc., 855 Abutment Road, Suite 6, Dalton, GA 30721.

Please join George's family in celebrating his life by visiting www.jenningsfuneralhome.com to post tributes and share memories.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 430 Cassville Road, Cartersville, is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. George R. Knight Sr.