On Friday, September 4, 2026 Robert E. Knight, “Bon Bon”, stepped into heaven. He was 92 years young. For over 40 years Bon Bon was after the heart of the Father, seeking to see lives changed forever by the One who had miraculously transformed him. He was born in Panama City, FL to parents Tom and Peggy Knight on January 3, 1934.
Robert grew up in pretty trying times and circumstances, as much of his generation did. A little boy from nowhere with nothing, but a determination to make something of himself, build a life and home, and have a family. And that is just what he did. After a brief stint in the Navy, he married Laverne, and together they raised their daughters Vickie and Sherry. While he would tell you Laverne did most of the heavy lifting, and the raising, he was a wonderful provider and a leader in his profession. He would fly all over the world to different paper mills, and was sought after for his expertise in how to make the mills run better. He was highly intelligent and would take in books like he was drinking water. He had lots of time to read because of flying, so he became a wealth of knowledge. There wasn’t many things in this life that he didn’t know at least a little something about.
He used his lucrative career to not only take care of the family that he prayed for, but to also bring other young men out of their current situations and introduce them to a field that would help them make a good life for themselves and their families. As the years clicked by, his family grew to contain son in laws, and then his absolute favorites—grandchildren and great grandchildren. The only thing he could have loved more than his family was Jesus, and working for Jesus. Outside of kingdom business, they were his pride and joy.
He met the Lord over 40 years ago, after his eldest daughter was in a horrific accident. It was then he surrendered to the God that had been calling him for a long time. They received a miracle for sure, and he would go on to see miracle after miracle after miracle throughout the rest of his journey.
There’s not enough paper, space or time to tell of all of the adventures of Bon Bon, but throughout the latter years of his life, after being around some of the greatest evangelists, prophets and teachers of our generation, Bon Bon meant to share everything he had learned with the younger generation. His heart for youth was unmatched, and he helped to birth the concept of “youth camps” in our area, a legacy his family continues to this day. He fell in love with recovery ministry in the past 10 years of his life and was a vital influence in the ministry of Path of Grace and Crown of Beauty. He was a girl dad to the core, and it showed in the way he loved “the girls” as he fondly referred to them. He became a father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor to the ladies in the program, and built many friendships and kingdom relationships that will live on far beyond this life.
His desire was always for the most hopeless and broken to know that Jesus loved them, and NO ONE was ever too far gone that they couldn’t be changed, and turn their lives around.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Tom Knight and Richard Knight (Dick), and his son in law Randy Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters Vickie Wilson and Sherry Faison. Grandchildren Lonnie Faison, Brandee Anderson (John), Carrie Shutes (Garrett). Isaac Wilson (Kyrsten), and great grand children Landon, Ariya, Easton, Kennedy, and Kinsey. His sister Barbara , sister in law Elaine, a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends that he made family along the way.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor at The Valley Church, in Vernon, Fl on Sunday evening September 13, 2026. Family will receive visitors beginning at 5, with the celebration beginning at 6 pm. The family is asking if everyone will please wear blue to honor Bon Bon as it was his favorite color.
