Ralph Wayne McKnight, age 74, of Independence, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, ten hours prior to his 75th birthday, at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.  Ralph was born in Wytheville, VA on July 24, 1949, to Samuel and Ella Mae Porter McKnight who preceded him in death.

Ralph lived out a creed of hard work, honesty and devotion while loving and serving his Lord and his family.  He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he was eager to help in any way that he could.  He loved hard work and keeping a perfectly manicured lawn is one testimony to his work ethic.  For over 30 years, he was a long-distance truck driver for ABF Trucking.  He was a fan of John Deere, a devoted Hokie Football Fan, an avid horseman enjoying both rodeo and Barrel Racing and especially loved his time working on the farm.  Ralph loved providing for his family in whom he took such pride.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Ralph's family is greatly comforted in realizing that he has gained the heavenly dwelling that he had so often mentioned as he longed to go home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Toby Samuel McKnight and a very special friend, Ronnie Douglas.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary McKnight of the home; one son, David McKnight of Austin, Texas; one daughter Tammy Harmon of Galax, VA; one brother, Joe Paul and Nancy McKnight of Independence, VA; grandchildren, Kaitlin and Mitchell Cornett of Independence, VA, Kristin Carmona of Independence, VA, Luke Harmon of Galax, VA, Pearce McKnight of Blacksburg, VA, Parker McKnight and  Porter McKnight both  of Austin, Texas, Grier McKnight and Turner McKnight both of Lake City, SC; great grandchildren, Jake Carmona and Fischer Carmona of Independence, VA; a host of church family, friends, and neighbors also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Independence, VA with Pastor Darrin Brannock and  David McKnight officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund c/o Ronald Anders PO BOX 413 Independence, VA 24348.  Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the McKnight family.