Raymond Warner Knight Jr. “Ray”, passed away peacefully at home with his son by his side on December 20, 2023 at the age of 71.
Ray was born in Portsmouth, VA on August 17, 1952 to the late Naomi Rawls and Raymond Knight, Sr. He lived in Portsmouth for 68 years until March 2020 when he moved in with his son, his daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Ray had a big heart and an aptitude for taking care of others. As the eldest of four siblings, the guidance and nurturing he would provide to his younger brothers would help him develop his compassion, which would become the cornerstone of who he was.
As a Portsmouth native, he was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School. He later found passion in the career of fitness and became an instructor for Holiday Health & Fitness, later known as Bally’s Total Fitness. He competed in championships and built his way up as an instructor in charge of multiple locations throughout Virginia.
In retirement, Ray would spend his time doing his favorite activities, gardening and cooking. He also took delight in caring for his young grandchildren.
He is survived by his son, Jovan Knight (Natasha); and his three brothers, Charles Knight (Nancy), Stanley Knight (Letha), and Garland Knight (Cassandra). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon Knight, Aiden Knight, Elijah Mugaviri; his nieces, Moneka Knight, Dawn Cannell (Daniel), Krystal Fountain, Ladawnya Cox (Bruce), Manat and Jeanessa Santiago; nephews, Maurice Knight (Yolanda), Michael Turner, Brian Turner (Janae), Cornell Pope (Nokeia); great nieces, Kaya and Kassidy Fountain; and great nephew, Dylan Knight.
He was predeceased by his beloved nephew, Stanley Knight Jr. (Francesca).
Condolences(11)-
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Letha Knight says
December 29, 2023 at 11:52 amThe grief that I am experiencing is so great. I pray 🙏 that the Holy Spirit will give everyone comfort and peace. My special brother in law, Ray, I love you so much and it will be a challenge to live with out you. I will remember all the things you taught me about Jehova and how to love❤️ . Rest in peace. Letha
Sidney Cannell says
December 29, 2023 at 6:55 pmI am so sorry, and I pray for healing and comfort in this terrible time. You all are family, and he was nothing but kind and accepting of my family and I when we first met. We love you all, rest in peace ❤️
Deborah J. Brown says
December 30, 2023 at 1:32 pmTo the family of Raymond W. Knight!
I was saddened to hear of Raymond’s passing on. Raymond and I shared a friendship four years ago when we meant at Reagan Airport sitting in our wheelchairs ♿️ waiting for our flight ✈️ home, and we kept in contact over the years. Through our friendship, I feel I know you all because Raymond introduced me to you in our many talks. He LOVED you!!! I will cherish my special relationship with Raymond and pray I’ll meet his family. Sending love❤️, peace, prayers 🙏 and strength!!!
Deborah J. Brown
Hampton, VA
Karen Shelton Taylor says
December 31, 2023 at 5:33 pmThere are not enough words to express the love and close friendship I had with Ray for many years. He always made me laugh and one I could talk to about anything. If it wasn’t recipes, grand children or gardening. I still have his last voice mail from earlier in the year. Ya know no one can feel the sting that death brings, but we have the wonderful promise of the resurrection in a perfect world hereon earth soon to be. This brings peace knowing this. Revelation 22:3,4.
Keith L Cowell says
January 2, 2024 at 12:07 pmRaymond was a humble, kind, giving person. Also a great cook. Will enjoy seeing him again in the new world.
Vivian J Pharr says
January 2, 2024 at 2:03 pmRay will be missed, he was a wonderful friend and high school classmate.
He was in my homeroom so we had history, we would talk about mutual friends, and a slew of other things, at my husband’s annoyance. I know that God has prepared a place for us and that someday we will see each other again. Take comfort in knowing that Ray is no longer in pain, he fought hard to be here for his son and grandsons and with us as long as he could. Ray will be remembered fondly as long as we live.
Randolph Boothe-Pharr says
January 2, 2024 at 2:19 pmI miss Ray already, we talked almost everyday about any and everything. I loved Ray like the brother I never had. Ray was a fighter he had a number of health issues but he kept enduring. I will miss my brother, my condolences to his son, his brothers, grandsons and the rest of his family.
To Ray’s family and friends: May God watch over you today and always.
Letha Knight says
January 2, 2024 at 2:50 pmSending our condolences and prayers to our brother and law Stanley and the Knight family. We are so sorry for the loss of Ray who was a kind, smart and loving person. We love ❤️ you Ray. Linda Johnson, Mary Grant, Richard Flowers, Aretha Hamilton, christy Flowers, Margie Barrow, Angel Belcher, Hope Barrow and Jennie Wakeman and families.
Carolyn Green says
April 8, 2024 at 5:15 pmJust found out about Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He called me and I wondered why I didn’t hear anymore from him. He was a friend of my brother Ben and when I moved here I was surprised that we were neighbors. I think about you and your Mom. God bless and comfort your family always🙏🏽.
Susan Gallicchio says
January 2, 2024 at 5:26 pmI am so sorry for your loss! I worked with Ray 19 years! He ran a tight ship @ Bally’s as he was a protectionist with training and maintaining the integrity of the group ex fitness program. I’m grateful to have been on his team for so long. Had the opportunity to introduce him to my domestic partner a couple of years ago at lunch! I have so many great memories. Please accept our deepest condolences!
Lori Atkins says
January 18, 2024 at 12:06 pmJust found out about Ray’s passing
You were such an amazing man and friend
May your family find peace that you are no longer in pain you will be greatly missed
Fly high sweet friend