Richard Stanley Knight

Richard Stanley Knight, 75, passed away February 13, 2026. He was born February 8, 1951, in Jacksonville, FL where he grew up in Lake Forrest. He raised his family in Callahan, FL before moving to Jacksonville Beach where he eventually retired.

As a young man, he was a boy scout and achieved the rank of Eagle. Rick competed in shooting competitions during his high school years and was an NRA awarded marksman. He attended high school at Jean Ribault High from where he graduated in 1969.

After graduation, he was called to serve and enlisted in the Army National Guard. Rick served for 6 years during which he was called to active duty. His original career plan was to become a math teacher. However, after a year he learned that he needed a change.

So, he joined the plumbers and pipefitters union, Local 234 and trained as a welder. He was a lifetime member who realized his teaching ambitions as an instructor in math and lifesaving skills. He worked for W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor for 43 years before retiring. However, he never really left that life behind as he still had to “visit the shop” or “go see the guys at the trailer (at Mayo)” on a regular schedule.

As if helping to build a city wasn’t enough, he also felt called to civil service. He first became active in Jacksonville Beach politics by attending every local meeting possible. He was eventually appointed to the Board of Variances. Feeling the pull to continue, he campaigned for and was elected to the city council. He served for 8 years as a councilman who helped to pass ordinances to preserve the community character of Jacksonville Beach and always left supporters wishing he would run for mayor.

After leaving office, he stayed active in the community. He served on the Redevelopment Board and continued to remain tuned in to the issues that most affected our community. Rick was a member of the Jax Beach Business Association[JK1] and visited as many businesses (Lynch’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, RP’s) as he could on his daily walks. If anyone wanted to know what was really going on with anything at the beach, they could call Rick to get the scoop. If he didn’t know, the answer was one number away in his contact list.

Rick filled his free time with fellowship and family both born and chosen. He was a dedicated spearfisherman for much of his life. Most weekends were filled with tales of the one that thought it would get away. Most memorable was the 350 lb. goliath grouper that fed the entire W. W. Gay company picnic at Cross Creek. He spent many summers trekking to the Florida Keys where he introduced the sport to his sons, Chris and Josh.

He also enjoyed traveling with his family. This included everything from trips to the mountains for a week to trips to the beach for just a day. If he was with those he loved, then he was happy. He developed a love for camping which took him and his wife, Janice, on the road for long adventures. He visited every US state, Canada, and Mexico during these RV excursions. If there was a geologic marvel, old west monument, western film location, or RV tourist stop, Rick saw it during his retirement.

He started many days with a walk to the beach to capture the sunrise and offer a greeting to those who weren’t there to see it. He always had an encouraging message to caption the photo. He was always happy that he could share and fellowship with those for whom he cared.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 53 and a half years, Janice; sons, Chris and Josh; grandchildren, Jackson and Joshlyn; brother, Roy (Linda); sister-in-law, Debra Bennett; chosen brothers, Stanley Rupp (Linda) and Steve Hartkemeyer (Tracie); and many loving nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; mother, Annie; brothers, Jack Jr. and Steven; and sister, Marylin.

Rick was a dedicated and loyal member of his church, and he hoped that everyone could have a close relationship with God. There will be a memorial and celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, hosted by Neptune Baptist Church. Rick wants everyone to dress comfortably when attending. There is no need for suits, ties, or dark clothes. His preference would be that everyone wear bright colors, shorts, and flip-flops – no need to paint your toenails gentlemen. Donations can be made to Neptune Baptist in lieu of flowers.