Johnny Ray McKnight was born on August 14, 1955 in Houston County, to Louis and Mozell Washington McKnight. He was one of eight children.

Johnny was raised in Crockett, Texas and attended Ralph Bunche and Crockett High School.

He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and united with Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. He married Barbara McKnight on December 24, 1997.

Johnny worked for Loftin Copeland Wood Company for about 30 years.

On September 26, 2015 in Tyler, Texas, Johnny left this earth on the Wings of Angels, he was preceded in death by his parents, Mozzelle and Louis McKnight; daughter, Shena McDaniel sisters, Quillar McKnight, Eva McKnight, Mary Rhodes, Mary Davis and Mary McKnight.

Those to cherish many sweet memories are his loving wife, Barbara McKnight, Crockett, Texas; sons, Courtney Hamilton of Huntsville, Texas, Willie Parker (Mary) of Huntsville, Texas, Freddy Parker of Crockett, Texas, Reginald Wooten of Crockett, Texas, Terry Wooten (Neta) and Alvis Wooten (Sherri); daughters, Kimberly Hamilton of Crockett, Texas, Martha Sherman (Ravon) of Crockett, Texas, Jimmy Sue Butler (Leroy) of Grapeland, Texas and Janice Marshall (Daniel), brothers, Viel McKnight of Crockett, Texas, Leen McKnight of Crockett, Texas, Marion McKnight of Grapeland, Texas; special brother, Nathaniel McKnight (Marylin) and George McKnight of Crockett, Texas; sisters, Easter Mae Kennard of Crockett, Texas, Augusta McKnight of Crockett, Texas and Beverly Monero (Moses) of Crockett, Texas; special sister, Emma Moss (Reno) of Lewisville, Texas; special aunt, Mavis McKnight; special cousins, Delbert McKnight and Joe Ray McKnight; 23 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.