Robert Lee McKnight

Robert Lee McKnight left for his Heavenly home on February 2, 2026.  Robert was born in Dayton, OH on September 22, 1957, to Callie M. McKnight (Taylor) and the late Charles McKnight.  He married Alesia Horrison (McKnight) on October 17, 2009.

Robert accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age.  In November 2024 Robert renewed his commitment with the Lord and was proud to reinstate his membership with the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He became active in the Brotherhood, Recovery and Greeter ministries.

Robert was a graduate of the Colonel White High School, Class of 1975 in Dayton, OH and in 1980, Robert received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Kentucky State University. Robert also obtained a certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board on October 28, 2022. 

At Colonel White and Kentucky State Robert was a member of the marching band, where he played the tuba.  At Kentucky State he also sang in the choir.  One of Robert’s greatest moments at Kentucky State was becoming a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  He loved his fraternity brethren, as well as being an alumnus of Kentucky State, where he usually attended the Homecoming every year.

Robert also served our country as a U.S. Marine from 1983-1989.  He achieved metals for Rifle Sharpshooter, Good Conduct and Sea Service Deployment.

Robert had several jobs throughout his career, including the family business at Just for You Laundromat.  However, Robert’s real passion was helping others navigate through life.  So, most of his career involved counseling and behavioral health.  He retired in 2024 from Eastway Behavioral Healthcare, but prior to his passing he decided to re-enter the work force and was employed with Dayton Job Corps Center as a Career Preparation Counselor.

Robert enjoyed family gatherings, football and his favorite team was the Chicago Bears.  He also liked to share inspirations on Tik Tok.  In his quiet time, Robert loved sitting back listening to music and for a short time he played in a Reggae band.  Robert will be missed for his beautiful smile, his debates and words of encouragement that he shared with many others.

Robert was proceeded in death by his father Charles McKnight, grandmother Missouria Taylor, brother Charles Edward McKnight, step-father Cornelius Taylor and sister Hortense Elaine Crayton.

Cherished memories will be left in the heart of his loving and devoted wife Alesia, beloved mother Callie Taylor, sister, Sharon (Thomas) Sams, special nieces Erinn and Erika Sams, mother-in-law Esther Horrison, two sisters-in-law Yolanda Rena’ Newsome and Sharonica Horrison, brother-in-law Myron (Sherry) Hughes, god-daughter, Shemaiah Tyler, his Kappa Alpha Psi line brethren and best friend Fernando LaBoy, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation 10:30 am- 11:30 am Friday, February 20, 2026 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 4200 Germantown Pike, Dayton, OH, at which time family will receive friends. 11:30 am Burial Ceremony:
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity - Dayton Alumni Chapter. Proclamation: Kentucky State University Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alpha Upsilon Chapter. Funeral service to begin at 12 pm. Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

Livestream link:  http://www.youtube.com/@GreaterStJohnMBC

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