Burney Knight

Alfred Burney Knight, affectionately known as Burney to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. Born on July 5, 1940, in Dexter, Georgia, Burney was a man whose life was marked by devotion to his family, his country, and his faith.

Burney was preceded in death by his parents, James Alfred Knight and Jeanette Burney Knight; his daughter, Valerie Knight Page; his brothers, James Eldridge Knight, Donnie Knight, and Robert Knight; and his sister, Jane Alligood.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Sandra Myers Knight of Dudley; his daughter, Vanessa Knight (Andy) Smith of Dexter; his granddaughters, Jenna S. (Dusty) Williams of Rincon, GA, and Jamie L. (Mitchell) Smith of Dexter, GA; his great-grandchildren, Cam and Avery Williams and Mallie Smith; brother-in-law, Billy Alligood of Dexter; his sister-in-law, Myrtle Knight of Dexter; extended family members, Kenny (Lynn) Register of Dexter, and several nieces and nephews.

Burney's life was one of service and leadership. He retired from the US Air Force Reserves at Robins Air Force Base and was a former member of the Georgia National Guard. His dedication to his hometown was evident through his tenure as the former mayor of Dexter, GA, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.

A man of deep faith, Burney was a cornerstone of the Antioch Baptist Church where he served the congregation as a deacon and lifted their spirits as the song leader for over 50 years.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.

A service celebrating Mr. Knight’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 4, 2024, in the Mary Whitaker Townsend Memorial Chapel at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Grady Mimbs and Mr. Dennis Waldrep will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Don Clark, Chad Mosley, Greg Slaughter, Kenny Register, Mitchell Alligood, Whitney Alligood, and Scott Knight.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 27, Dublin, GA 31040, and the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, GA 30268.

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