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).
