William Kelly McKnight
![william mcknight](https://wadefuneralhome.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10021009/obit-default.jpg)
April 6, 1925 ~ April 23, 2012
ARLINGTON -- William Kelly McKnight, 87, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 23, 2012.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 30, at First Baptist Church, 300 South Center St., Arlington, Dr. Charles Wade and Wayne Ogle officiating. Interment: Parkdale Cemetery, Arlington. Visitation: The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.
Kelly was born April 6, 1925, to Will A. McKnight and Mabel Kelly McKnight. The McKnight family was a pioneer Arlington family, as his great-grandmother and her six children moved from East Texas to Johnson Station in 1869.
Kelly graduated from Arlington High School in 1943. He joined the U.S. Army in 1944 and served his country in Saipan during World War II. After returning home from the war in 1946 he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Farmer. He opened his first gas station in 1948 and bought his first wrecker in 1958 which started Kelly McKnight Wrecker Service. In 1965 he moved to his current location. He served as president and was active in the business until 2005. He also supported the towing industry on a state and national level through TTSA and TRAA where he served in numerous capacities. Kelly was a member of First Baptist Church of Arlington for over 60 years.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Mabel McKnight; sister, Peggy Simmons; brother, Tom McKnight; and grandson, William Kyle McKnight.
Survivors: His wife of 65 years, Rebecca; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca A. and Hershey Muse of Conroe; son and daughter-in-law, William E. "Bill" and Becky McKnight of Mansfield; granddaughter, LeighAnn and husband, Toby Yeary of Mansfield; great-grandchildren, Sembree Lynn Yeary and Will Ryan Blake Yeary of Mansfield; sister, Ann Truver of Arlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wade Family Funeral Home
Arlington, 817-274-9233
Truly one of the greatest men i have ever met in my life,i was blessed and still am today to be given the opportunity to work next to him and his son Bill ,Mr.Kelly sir you will be missed beyond what words will ever describe it was a honor to work for you ,i learned many great things just by watching you live your life ,your honesty beyond all, always fair to everyone ,hardworking and a caring husband and father ,if there is something that i will always carry with me it will be his childlike grin and shush he gave me whenever i would catch him sneaking candy out from the jar………you will be missed and always loved sir………..Adrian guzman
McKnight Family – My sincere condolences for your loss. Rely on God’s strength to get you through this difficult time. Elaine/APD
Mr. McKnight you are a true gentleman. Your generosity to officers in blue will always be honored and appreciated. Your dedication to the city of Arlington will not be forgotten. I remember first meeting you at political functions and admiring your quiet command presence. I always looked forward to spending time with you and hearing your stories and opinions. When you showed up at our crash scenes – I knew the “Big Guns” had arrived. I will miss you. May your family have peace during this difficult time.
Mr Kelly. Your presence will be dearly missed. I only had a short time with you and in that time I gained respect and love for you and your family. Working with Bill, shows me the man you were. I am proud to work for the Mcknight family and knowing you has been a great honor sir.
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you during your loss!!
Kelly will always be missed!
Dave and Wanda Ellis Family
Kelly was a good, honest person and a leader of men. Thinking of him now I can’t help but be reminded of a quote by Marcus Aurelius that has always stuck with me over the years. “To do right, makes us men.” I believe Kelly to have been the personification of those simple words and I respected him for it. Goodbye Kelly, you will be missed.
Lawrence N Oliver
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss.
Mrs. McKnight, I just found out that Kelly passed away. I would of been there if I had of known sooner. I will always remember Kelly and you for all you done to make our place on earth better. Our prayers are with you and your family.