Donice Virgil Knight

Donice Virgil Knight, 80, of Laurel died Saturday, January 17, 2015. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home from 5-8pm. and Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Centerville Baptist Church at 10am with the Service at 11am. Burial will follow at Big Creek Cemetery. Brother Jimmy Hood and Brother Robert Hilbun will officiate. Donice was born on November 2, 1934, in Jones County and grew up in the Centerville Community where he was a member of Centerville Baptist Church. He graduated from Laurel High School then attended Jones County Junior College on a basketball scholarship. He earned a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from William Carey College and completed his graduate work at University of Southern Mississippi. Donice earned his Law Degree from Mississippi College School of Law. During his teaching career, Donice taught math and science at Calhoun, St. Martin, West Jones, Sharon, and Powers schools. Along with teaching, he was a dedicated girls and boys basketball coach. He also served in the United States Army as an Army Surveyor. He proudly served the people of Jones County as Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk for 16 years. After his terms in office, he was Assistant Director to the Mississippi Highway Department Commissioner. He later practiced Law at Abernathy, Strickland & Knight Attorney at Law. Donice was a Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge No. 414 in Laurel and a member of the Hamasa Shrine of Meridian. Donice was a Life-Time Member of the American Legion Post No. 11 where he served as an Executive Officer. He was President of the Mississippi Circuit Clerks Association, and co-author of the Mississippi Handbook for both Circuit and Chancery Clerks. He was a member of The Kiwanis Club of Laurel, the United States Civil Defense Council, and a founder of Dixie Golf Club. Donice was known for his contribution in the industrial and civic development of Jones County. Among other numerous honors and associations, Donice enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, dominos and spending time with friends. Donice was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Oree Knight and Linnie Mae Knight. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gayle Carter Knight, their three children and 3 grandchildren. His children are Kim Knight of Laurel, Donna Knight Polson (David) of Haymarket, VA, and Shelly Knight Bryant of Laurel. His grandchildren are Katie Lee Parker, Lyndsey Danielle Bryant and Matt Knight Parker, all of Laurel. He is also survived by his sister, Hilna Knight Welch and two nephews, Mike Welch and Tommy Welch, all of Ellisville. Pallbearers will be David Polson, John Parker, Dwight Collins, Lavelle Walters, Mike Gibbes, and Pete Knight. Honorary pallbearers will be friends, former colleagues, and members of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Donice V. Knight Scholarship Fund at Jones County Junior College. Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Donice Virgil Knight

November 3, 1934 - January 17, 2015