On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, Harry Diggs Knight passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Williamsburg with his family by his side. He was 87 years old.
Harry was born Oct. 24, 1930, in Newport News, Va., to Harry Garland Knight and Florence Price Knight. After losing his father at the age of 10, he attended St. Andrews Episcopal Boarding School in Sewanee, Tenn., from which he graduated in 1947. In the fall of that same year, Harry lost his mother. He then studied at the College of William & Mary with ongoing studies at North Carolina State and the International City Manager’s Institute.
Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Deal; their three children, Harry G. Knight (Cathy), Kelli Cutler (Carter) and Mary Frances Parrish (Woody). Also left to cherish his memory are eight grandchildren, Brian Knight (Brandy), Anna Altenburg (Austin), Travis Cutler (Danielle), Scott Cutler (Megan), Haley Cutler, Charlie Parrish (Stephanie), Andy Parrish (Ashley) and Woodson Parrish; and eight great-grandchildren who will miss him greatly are Colton and Reagan, Darren and Morgan, Luke, Tucker and Dallas and Ella.
In 1956, he began his career with the City of Newport News in the recreation department. He held numerous roles within the department and was named the director of Parks and Recreation for the city in 1963. Harry started the “Biddy” Basketball Program for the city and carried two teams to the National Basketball tournament in New York City. He also coached the Newport News Little League All-Star teams with the late Dr. Tommy Jobe for six years, winning the State tournament in Colonial Heights, Va., two times. During this time, Harry also found time to play baseball with the Newport News Blue Devils and fast-pitch softball with the Fox Hill team, which won the Central Atlantic Regional Championship in 1965.
Of the many accomplishments in his role as Director of Parks and Recreation, he was most proud of his leadership role in organizing, planning and overseeing the construction of the Newport News City Park. During the construction phase of the park development, Harry would often be found on the weekends running a grader or bulldozer at the park to make sure everything was exactly as he wanted it to be. He was a “hands-on leader” in the truest sense of the term.
After a 29-year career with the City of Newport News, Harry was offered the role of operations manager for the Anheuser-Busch development “Kingsmill on The James” in Williamsburg, Va. He rose to the position of vice-president Busch Properties, general manager Kingsmill, which he held until his retirement in 1991. Under his leadership, “Kingsmill on The James” became one of the premier residential and resort developments in the country.
Harry was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman and conservationist. He was a lifetime sponsor and leader of Ducks Unlimited. He dedicated much of his time to D.U. during a span of more than four decades, starting in 1973 when he was elected vice chairman of D.U.’s Peninsula Chapter in Virginia. He was elected to D.U.’s National Board of Directors in 1981 and was elected D.U.’s 31st national president in 1988. He served as chairman of the board D.U. from 1991 to 1993 as well as serving on the board of D.U. Canada. He also served as vice president of the Ducks Unlimited Foundation, now known as Wetlands America Trust. Knight served as an emeritus board member until his death.
“Harry was a true gentleman who had a great passion for conservation and Ducks Unlimited,” said D.U. CEO Dale Hall. “He gave many dedicated years of service to D.U., and without leaders like Harry and their vision for the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” During his tenure as D.U. president, Knight oversaw the construction and relocation of D.U. national headquarters from Chicago to Memphis, Tenn. One of the high points of Knight’s D.U. career was the 1989 signing of legislation that allowed Pittman-Robertson funds to be distributed internationally.
The highlight for Harry came when he had the honor of introducing then President George H. W. Bush during D.U.’s sixth International Waterfowl Symposium after the signing. “Harry was that unique individual who felt equally at home on the stage and in the hospitality room,” said John Tomke, D.U. past president. “He was even comfortable singing a duet with Randy Travis. He had Virginia charm, a tremendous wit and a love of banter. No one loved duck hunting more than Harry Knight and amongst the D.U. faithful, no D.U. president was more loved.”
Harry was also a past president of the Peninsula Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the advisory board of Old Point National Bank and also a member of the Chesapeake Bay Advisory Committee.
Of all of dad’s great qualities, nothing touched his love of family and friends. He was a true “Southern Gentleman.” He was the most happy when he would be sitting in his chair, a fire in the fireplace, bourbon and water in hand, surrounded by family and friends. He loved nothing more in his later years than to be with those he loved and who loved him. Though time was not kind to him physically, his mind and wit never faltered. He faced death with courage, strength and dignity. He died as he wanted to die, surrounded by his family and friends, the doors of his room open to the outdoors, with the sound of geese honking in the distance.
The family would like to thank the following for the care, support and love during Dad’s final journey. We would like to thank the Rev. Milt Hines for his guidance, prayers and support. We thank the great staff at Riverside Doctors Hospital, especially Dr. Sridhar Chitti, for their wonderful care and love. We would also like to thank Amy Harrelson – P.A., and April Towler – F.N.P., Dr. Sharon Hopson and Dr. Chip Harris for their dedicated care and treatment.
Our final thanks go to the wonderful staff at the Hospice House and Support Care team in Williamsburg. Harry’s last directive as “Chief” was to live his final days under the care, support, and compassion of this wonderful group of caregivers.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 1, in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to either Ducks Unlimited Inc. National Headquarters, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120; The Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
Share online condolences for the family may be expressed at nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
