Richard McKnight, a quiet man of dignity and purpose, will be remembered for generations

It is far from easy to lay the foundation for an enduring generational legacy, but that is exactly what  Richard McKnight did. This is his story, as told by his surviving family, his widow, two sons, and one daughter.

Richard McKnight, Jr., a son of a sharecropper and homemaker, was born July 17, 1942. He rose to become a beloved professional and community leader in Greenville.

Two of McKnight’s sons are power attorneys. Riché, the oldest, lives in New York. Dr. Lela McKnight-Eily founded the Mental Health Department for Google and still serves as the Director of Global Lead for Mental Health and Well-Being at Google Cloud.

Reggie McKnight, winner of the 2025 global humanitarian award, serves as the vice president of Google’s Global Impact Department.

The third-generation McKnights are poised to carry on the family legacy.

A pioneer and role model to many, Richard moved to Greenville in March of 1965 during the midst of racial segregation with only $11 to his name and no place to live. Through hard work, faith, and perseverance, he built a dynamic professional career, spanning diverse disciplines from electronics, drafting, and architecture.

Richard was born in Nesmith, South Carolina. He was the son of Richard McKnight, Sr., and Mary Cooper McKnight. Richard was educated in the Williamsburg County public school system and graduated from Battery Park High School in 1961.

Richard graduated from Denmark Technical School in 1964 with a degree from the Electrical Department. He also attended South Carolina State University and earned an Associate Degree in design and drafting from Greenville Technical College.

Richard had a dynamic and multifaceted professional career for over 60 years and was the first African-American Electrical Journeyman in Greenville. He earned a number of professional licenses and certifications as an electrician, including from the Board of Electrical Examiners, and worked in that capacity at a number of large companies, including Fiber Industries Utility Engineering Department, Simon Eastern Architectural/Engineering Firm, and Lockwood Greene Engineers, Inc. He also received his Funeral Director's License from the South Carolina Board of Funeral Services and served part-time in that capacity for more than 50 years, including periodically at Watkins Garrett & Woods Mortuary and the J. W. Woodward Funeral Home.

RICHARD, LELA AND RICHÉ, THEIR FIRSTBORN SON

The Richard and Lela McKnight Foundation

The Richard and Lela McKnight Foundation was established in honor of Richard McKnight, Jr. and his widow, following his death in 2020. The foundation's mission is to create pathways for underserved and underrepresented communities with scholarships to advance their education. 

For more information and to make donations, go to the foundation’s website at www.richardandlela.org

A Partner in Life: Lela B. McKnight Remembers Richard McKnight, her fallen husband.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

For Lela McKnight, her memories of her husband, Richard, whose works wove a tapestry of unwavering support, shared adventures, and a deep, abiding love for wife and family. He was not just her husband; he was her partner in every sense of the word, from the first time he taught her to drive to their final days together.

She fondly recalls the year 1968 as a "trio experience," a period when she (i) earned her Master's degree, her (ii) marriage license, and (iii) her driver's license. Richard's patient and loving guidance during those driving lessons stands out, setting the tone for their life together.

Richard was a man of great faith and a pillar of their community. For eight years, he served as Superintendent of Sunday School and as a Trustee at Allen Temple AME Church. He was a familiar figure driving the church bus to take the Missionary and YPD groups to meetings; his service was a testament to his quiet devotion.

Many of Lela's most cherished memories are from their family road trips, when Richard would pile their family of five into the car for scenic Sunday drives. "Oh, my!" she exclaims, recalling trips to Paris Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which always ended with a stop for delicious ice cream cones at Dairy Queen. These trips continued for years, evolving into long drives to take their children to college, from the Midwest to Durham. She remembers one particular trip to Nashville, Tennessee, when snow was falling heavily, and despite her urging him to pull over, he calmly kept driving, a testament to his skill and her trust in him as "one of the best drivers ever."

At home, Richard was a great cook and a master of the grill. He made every Christmas the "merriest" in their home, a time of fun and laughter in their "Big Den." A tradition that brought joy to everyone was when the children gave him cash, a gift he would count with palpable delight before heading to the bank the next day. He'd proudly share the story with the tellers, who all seemed to know him, about what his children had done for him.

Richard's practicality and wisdom extended to the family cars. He had a gift for challenging salesmen and ensuring they got the best deal. Lela says he chose cars for everyone in the family, and their vehicles were passed down from sibling to sibling, a cycle of practicality and shared history. Lela is still driving a car that both of her sons once drove, and her daughter’s old stick shift, a car Richard drove for many years, sits on the driveway—a silent reminder of a life filled with purpose, family, and adventure.

Richard's love and care were tangibly expressed through his meticulous attention to the family cars. By choosing and passing down cars, he was not just making practical financial decisions; he was ensuring the safety and mobility of his family. The story of Lela still driving the car her sons once used, and her daughter’s old stick shift sitting in the driveway, exemplifies love in action. This act of providing and maintaining these vehicles shows a steadfast commitment to his family's well-being that went beyond words, representing a form of protection and care that continues to be a part of their lives, long after he is gone.

A First Son's Tribute: Remembering Richard McKnight, a Love Endured

For Riché T. McKnight, the most cherished memories of his father, Richard McKnight, Jr., are not grand gestures but quiet moments of profound connection and unwavering love. They are the moments that reveal a man whose greatest joy was his family and whose legacy is one of selflessness and protection.

Riché recalls the simple, youthful anticipation of seeing his father's white Rabbit pull into the driveway each evening around 6 p.m. "I would always be so happy when I saw him come home," he shares, a sentiment that speaks to the joy and security his father's presence provided. This feeling of being protected extended far beyond childhood. Riché remembers coming home late at night to find his father waiting up for him at the kitchen table, a silent vigil that reinforced the elder McKnight's role as a watchful protector.

The warmth of the holidays also holds a special place in his heart, particularly the sight of his father's face lighting up over his favorite gift—cash. It's a memory that captures a moment of pure, unbridled happiness.

Richard McKnight was a man who showed his love through consistent action. He was a familiar presence at every little league baseball and basketball game, a steadfast supporter who nurtured his sons' passions. Riché also recalls the poignant memory of seeing his father cry at his brother's wedding, a rare display of emotion that spoke volumes about his deep familial bonds. The joyous, hearty laughter shared with his siblings and friends on the phone remains a cherished sound, a testament to the importance of community and connection.

In every phone call, Richard's final words to his son were a simple yet powerful directive: "stay focussed." This phrase became a guiding principle, a reminder to prioritize what truly matters. From teaching him how to ride a bike to guiding him through his first driving lessons, Richard was a hands-on mentor. This mentorship culminated in a deeply moving final memory: "My dad leaning on my shoulder as I walked him into the living room for what would end up being his final Christmas."

Riché describes his father as a man whose primary role was that of a protector. "He was a strong disciplinarian but even stronger when outside forces threatened his family," he reflects. Richard was a "straight shooter" who prioritized family and core values over worldly pleasures or material things. He constantly forged relationships and advocated for his children's futures, always placing himself in front of them to shield them from harm.

Looking back, Riché says he appreciates his father's sacrifices even more with age and maturity. "Even in his passing," he shares, "he gets better with time as I reflect upon his many sacrifices for us." It's a sentiment that encapsulates the enduring power of a father's love and the timeless legacy of a man who put his family above all else.

Daddy's Girl: Renee Remembers a Father of Unwavering Love

For Dr. Lela Renée McKnight-Eily (Renée), the memory of her father, Richard McKnight, is inextricably linked to a profound sense of love and security. From her earliest childhood memories, he was her steadfast protector, a man whose embrace felt like the safest place on earth.

Renée recalls running into his arms as a child, finding comfort as he rocked her to sleep in his green recliner, the television light flickering from Westerns. This sense of security was a constant thread throughout his life, extending beyond his immediate family to everyone he encountered. In a world where such selfless giving is rare, his loving spirit stood out.

Richard's devotion was a daily presence. He was a familiar face at every piano lesson and drove his children to school each day, knowing all their teachers. His encouragement was constant, pushing them to be their best selves. Renée remembers the immense pride in his voice when she graduated from college. He repeated the words "cum laude" over and over, his face beaming with a palpable joy that she will never forget.

This love and dedication only grew when Renée had her own children, Ellison and Emerson, and with her nephews, Reggie Jr. and Russell. He became a fixture at every birthday party and celebration, his face lighting up with excitement for report cards and Christmas. His legendary hundred-dollar bills were a testament to his generosity and pride. He adored spoiling the kids with ice cream cones and car rides during their summer weeks together, beaming with pride at their every move.

One of Renée's most cherished memories is from her wedding day. Her father, ever the protector, had a classic car waiting. Just before they entered the church, he playfully suggested they simply get in the car and drive away. It was a moment that perfectly captured his bittersweet love—a man who, in his own way, always wanted to whisk her away to safety and joy, even as she was beginning a new chapter. That protective nature extended to her husband, whom he grew to love like a son.

Months before he passed, Renée made a surprise visit to see him in the hospital. The moment he saw her face, his entire being lit up with pure joy. The love in that room was so powerful that it fueled his efforts to complete his physical therapy that day. It's a memory she will always hold close, a final testament to the deep, unwavering bond between a father and daughter.

The Youngest Son: Reggie Remembers a Legacy That Lives On

Reggie and his father, Richard McKnight, Jr., shared a deep and enduring bond built on cherished traditions—from daily noon phone calls to annual Christmas drives to Hemingway, South Carolina. These small acts of connection highlighted a profound and mutual respect.

A particularly poignant memory is when Richard, Jr. stopped the car on one of their trips to give his son a life-changing compliment: "Reggie, you have become a better man than I could have ever prayed for." This single moment of powerful affirmation became a guiding principle for Reggie’s life, motivating him to honor his parents' sacrifices through his own achievements, including his recent win of the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year Award from a renowned, global foundation. Richard McKnight, Jr. also taught his son the invaluable lesson of putting God and family first and the importance of bringing people together, a trait exemplified by the "village" that supported their family.

As a father himself, Reggie embodies the same hard-working and enduring love his father showed him, building a strong foundation for his two boys. Raising two boys is Reggie's greatest joy, and he does everything in his power to help his sons, Reg and Russell, achieve excellence in school and sports, ensuring they have the best opportunities to be happy and successful. Beyond that, his focus is on teaching them to be loving, compassionate children who are grounded in their faith and family. 

Richard's legacy of love and perseverance lives on through Reggie and his own two boys, Reg and Russ.

His Legacy Lives On

Ultimately, the life of Richard McKnight, Jr. is a story told not through his accomplishments, but through the profound love he poured into his family. From Lela's memories of a selfless partner who provided for his family with meticulous care, to Riché's tribute to a watchful protector and mentor, and Renée's recollection of a loving father who was a constant source of security, the theme is the same. His life, as recalled by his youngest son, Reggie, was a masterclass in putting God and family first. He built a legacy not of worldly possessions, but of unwavering love and quiet strength, a legacy that lives on through his four grandchildren: Ellison, Emerson, Reg Jr., and Russ. Each of them is excelling in school, sports, and extracurricular activities, carrying forward their grandfather's spirit of excellence, kindness, intelligence, and love. He left an imprint on each of his children and a timeless lesson on the power of a life well-lived.

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