John Basil McKnight

April 12, 1932 - April 27, 2022

John Basil McKnight, age 90, entered into rest April 27, 2022. Basil was born in Carrabelle but lived most of his life in Tallahassee. His parents were Basil and Margaret McKnight who proceeded him in death, He was raised by his maternal grandparents, John and Maude Bloomquist. Basil was a three-sport athlete in high school, later having a short stint as a semi-pro baseball player before joining the Navy. He served in the Korean Conflict during his time in the Navy. After returning home he met and married Julie G. McClellan (with three small children) and later had two more children of their own. Basil loved all five children equally and unconditionally. In Tallahassee, Basil worked for and later retired from the Department of Transportation where he was a safety engineer. He was very active in his community as he was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church, the Odd Fellows, Springtime Tallahassee, coached Pee Wee football and Scout Master of Troop 110. Basil is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Julie McKnight; children Danny McClellan (Deborah), Cindy Marsh (Jim), Jeff McClellan (Amy), John McKnight (Christi), Tommy McKnight (Amy), grandchildren Ray McClellan, Chad McClellan (Kerri), Katelyn McClellan, Nina McClellan, Brent Marsh (Ashleigh), Brandon Marsh, Ashley Newtson (Cody), Josh McClellan (Kayla); Shea McKnight, Dalton McKnight, Andy Hubbard (Erica): great-grandchildren Grayden McClellan, Connor Newtson, Noah Gustat, Lucas Hubbard; brother Ed McKnight and nephew David McKnight (Janet) A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 10th, at Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church. Private burial will take place at Tallahassee National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com) 850-385-2193