William "Bill" Franklin Knights

William “Bill” F. Knights of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was 93 years old. William F. Knights was born on July 26, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Franklin G. and Arvada J. (Conlay) Knights. Following graduation, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. Three weeks after his return he met the love of his life, Violet “Vi” Irene Barowski, at the Saginaw American Club and was introduced by his father, Franklin. It was love at first sight. They were united in marriage four weeks later on September 18, 1954; she preceded him in death on December 22, 2019. He was employed as a line repairmen and later as a foreman with Michigan Bell and AT&T, retiring after 30 years of loyal and dedicated service. A family man at heart, he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bill was a longtime and faithful member of State Street United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting and taking fishing trips up at the bay. Bill also enjoyed bowling, but what he loved and was passionate about was golfing. He volunteered as a golf ranger at Pleasant View Golf Course in Saginaw. Bill and Vi also enjoyed traveling with their senior travel club and were grateful for many of the friendships they made along the way. He held a special place in his heart for all animals, but he treasured and cherished the bonds he held with all his dogs, past and present. Bill will forever be remembered for his kindness, his ability to never get worried and stay calm, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Covenant VNA Hospice for all the love and care they provided to Bill and the family.

Surviving are three sons and a daughter: Dennis (Sharon) Knights of Goodrich; David (Gloria) Knights of East Tawas; Douglas (Tracy) Knights of Pine, CO; Diane Knights of Saginaw; eight grandchildren: Chad Knights; Laura Knights; Kimberly Knights; Tina Knights (Steve Murray); David Knights (Allexus Harris); Robert (Ashley) Knights, Jameson Knights, Alyssa Knights; two great-grandsons, Parker and Leo Knights.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vi; a sister, Ellen (Kenneth) Bluemer; and his parents, Franklin and Arvada Knights.

A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Rob Richards will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Undercover Angels Animal Rescue. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.