Evelyn Knight

Evelyn Knight, born on June 15, 1921 in Pensacola, Florida, passed peacefully on August 7, 2019 at the age of 98 at her assisted living facility, A Country Place, on Memorial Highway in Tampa. She was a homemaker, active in her church and the girl scouts.

At age of 3, she moved with her family to Tallahassee, where she graduated from high school, lettering in softball, and later marrying George Wayne Blackburn on December 4, 1942, just before his entry into the US Army as a member of the 101st Airborne division. Upon his return from WWll, where he endured debilitating injuries as a result of his service, they settled in Tallahassee, where they raised three of their four children. They moved to Tampa in 1955 just before their last child was born.

Left to mourn Evelyn and Wayne’s loss are their children Sandra (spouse Walter Wells) of Tampa, Sharon (spouse Terry Chase) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Richard of Tampa, Wallace (spouse Deborah Trehy) of Tampa and stepson Bill Knight (spouse Terri) of Lakeland. In addition, numerous grand and great grand children, who brightened up their days with visits and beautiful letters, pictures and cards. And I can’t forget to thank the Campbell family, their neighbors of 30+ years, for all the love and support given through these many years. Thank you John, Cora, Susan, Pam and Brenda!!

After Wayne’s death in 1973, whom she was married with for 31 years, she married J Roland Knight and they moved from Davis Island to his lake estate in north Tampa, where they enjoyed swimming, gardening, reading and afternoon naps. Evelyn and Roland taught many children to swim in their lake and the subsequent enjoyment knowing they made a difference in those children’s lives was immeasurable. They were married for 44 years before Roland’s death in May 2017 at the age of 102.

The family wishes to thank Rob, Nancy and the whole staff at A Country Place for the care and love they showed Evelyn in the last years of her life. They endured many trials with Evelyn but always found a positive spin to make her life enjoyable to the end of her days. We also wanted to thank nurse Carolyn and Seasons Hospice team for their care of Evelyn during these past trying months. You all made the families’ lives easier knowing she was in great hands with your care and love shown her.