Obituary
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Eric Samuel Knight was called home to be with the Lord. Eric was known to many as Ricky, Rick, E, and Knight. He was the last of eight children born to Mary and Albert Knight Sr. at DC General Hospital in Washington, DC. They saved the best for last.
Eric attended DC Public Schools and Prince George’s County Schools. Eric was baptized at an early age at Upper Room Baptist Church. He enjoyed attending Mt. Olive Baptist Church with his wife and family.
Eric worked for the Department of the Interior, President’s Park, National Park Service for 34 years as a Gardner and Landscaper. He was there whenever needed to accomplish a wide range of activities supporting President’s Park and the White House in the rain, snow, sleet, heat, or cold. The weather never stopped his determination to serve thousands of visitors annually with integrity and devotion. Some of the events that Eric was proud to serve included: Garden tours, Military Band Concerts, Pageants of Peace, State arrivals, Presidential Inaugurations, Easter Egg Roll, National Christmas Tree lighting, and Congressional tours. Eric also had the pleasure of meeting several Presidents of the USA. Eric received awards for appreciation, distinguished service, participation, Presidential Inauguration and many more. Whatever role he was called to complete, he fulfilled the job and it was well done. Eric retired on April 30, 2024.
On August 6, 1988, Eric married the love of his life Shirelle Knight, who was also his childhood friend from 37 street SE and they celebrated 37 wonderful years of marriage. Eric was a diehard Washington Commanders fan. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved date nights with his wife, landscaping, traveling, shopping, music, and cooking on the grill, his TV shows with judges and Westerns and most of all the Casino. Ricky was a Budweiser man, who loved eating at his favorite restaurant Golden Corral. Eric lived his life to the fullest and was loved by everyone he encountered.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Albert Knight Sr., grandparents Harry and Francis Quinn, Sam and Willie Knight, siblings Brenda, Zachary, Albert Jr, Kyle, Dedario, and Earnest.
Eric leaves to cherish his memories of his wife Shirelle Knight, daughter Tarkitta Knight-Price (Deanna), son Eric Knight Jr. (Kenisha), four (4) grandchildren Tarzhane, Nala, Duane, and Amiyah. Godson, Ricardo Myles, Jr; Siblings Darlene, Yonne, Stacey, Roxanne and Tebblyn. Mother-in-Law Marry Allen, Stepmother Juanita Knight, Aunts Kay Tillman and Linda Quinn, Sisters-in-law Gail Knight, Debbie, Jacqueline and Tracey Allen. Brothers-in-law Reginald and Alphonso Allen, a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.
OrderofService
Prayer of Comfort............................Deacon James McCray Sr.
Musical Selection.............................“I Can Only Imagine”
Scripture Reading
Old Testament: Psalm 23............Earlene Burwell
New Testament: John 14:1-6.......Greta Campbell
Musical Selection.............................“God Is”
Acknowledgements..........................Florence Johnson
Poem To My Husband....................Shirelle Knight
Musical Selection............................“Come Jesus Come”
Obituary Reading.............................Rev. Authur Moon
Tributes (limit to 2 min) ...............Family and Friends
Eulogy and Benediction..............Rev. Dr. Ronnie L. Stanley, Jr. Mt. Olive Baptist Church
PoemfromWife
MyLovingHusbandinHeaven:
As the sun sets upon this life and your body is laid to rest, I know you’ll be up in heaven because God only takes the best. I know you ’ re watching over me, and it takes away the pain. I will carry you in my heart forever until we meet again. My world is a little darker now that we are apart, but the memories are shining brightly with my broken heart. You touched the lives of those you loved, and we wanted you to stay longer, but God needed you up in heaven. So, God whispered to you “Come Home”. I know whenever I’m lonely and my smile becomes a frown, I’ll look up to the sky above an there’ll be my Angel looking down at me. You were my rock and greatest love. I love and miss you deeply and always will.
Love always and forever your wife, Shirelle Knight
ForeverinOurHeart
The moment that you left us; our heart was split in two; one side was filled with memories the other side died with you. Often, we lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep; and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day; but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly within our heart and there you will remain; you see life has gone on without you, but for us it will never be the same.
Love Ki and Eric
TheBrokenChain
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seem the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Nay, Nala, Amiyah & Duane
We thought of you today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which we’ll never part. God has you in His arms and we have you in our Heart.
Love, your sisters!
The family would like to thank you for the prayers, visits, calls, cards and acts of kindness shown to the family during this period of bereavement. God Bless each one of you. The Family
Jerome