James Lee McKnight

June 11, 1932 - March 01, 2016

Obituary For James Lee McKnight

Col. (Ret.) James “Lee” McKnight, 83, of Raleigh, NC passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. He served 32 years in the US Army and Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel in 1987. He served three tours in Vietnam including a tour as the Military AttachÃ©. He completed his last military assignment as the Inspector General for the Military District of Washington. His military accomplishments include: Silver Star, 2 Legion of Merit Medals, 6 Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Valorous Unit Awards, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendation Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2 Vietnam Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, 4 Overseas Service Bars, and a Vietnam Civil Action Medal 1st Class. After his military service he was the Director of Security for Unisys Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Marlene Elizabeth McKnight, his second wife Phyllis Maxine McKnight and his precious dog Peaches. He is survived by three loving children; David (Virginia) McKnight, Denise (Eric) Patten, Douglas (Melissa) McKnight. One brother, Charles McKnight, one sister Nita Maggio (Mark). And eight grandchildren; Eric Michael Patten Jr., Taylor McKnight, Michael McKnight, Michelle McKnight, Christina McKnight, Josh McCullen, Samantha McCullen, Marisa Betts.

A local viewing will be held at the Renaissance Funeral Home on March 5, 2016 at 4:00 with a service to follow at 5:00. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be held on August 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m..

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA 22211 Get Directions »

5 Mar

Visitation

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

5 Mar

Funeral Service

05:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

5 Aug

Graveside Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA 22211 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Photos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

September 01, 2020

Heather

Lit a candle in memory of James Lee McKnight
September 01, 2020

Hattie & Anthony Davis

We were honored to be a part of his life. He was quite a gentleman. His smile, grace and humor sealed our day. We will MISS him dearly. Our sympathies are with the family in this time of grief. GSCH
September 01, 2020

Chris Klebe

I always considered uncle Lee to be one of the strongest and honorable men I knew. I'm thankful and very proud for what he gave to his country. He always stood strong and I know this country is better for that. Thank you Uncle Lee for being the man you were. We wish you peace . With much love Your nephew Christopher
September 01, 2020

Mary Williams Owen

Lee was a wonderful cousin. Someone I always looked up to and admired. Lee was so full of life , always a true gentleman. We all have such precious memories of his visits to our parents home . Those visits were always an occasion to look forward to. Lee was a most handsome, intelligent man with a beaming smile., loved and treasured by all of us. A true Patriot in every way. He loved his family, his country and living life to the fullest. You will always be remembered and never forgotten dear cousin Lee. Thank you for your service to our country. Mary Williams Owen
September 01, 2020

Sharon Hooks

2 files added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Col. B. Kard

Absolutely the most competent Battalion Commander I ever served with. A great leader. I was his S-1 and he kept me on-my-toes. Ranger Kard, COL retired.
September 01, 2020

Sharon Williams Hooks

Lit a candle in memory of James Lee McKnight