Joe McKnight (politician)

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Joe McKnight
Member of the Tennessee Senate
from the 27th district
In office
1987–1995
Succeeded byBobby Carter
Personal details
Born(1933-12-04)December 4, 1933
Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedFebruary 20, 2023(2023-02-20) (aged 89)
Alma materMemphis State University
University of Tennessee-Martin

Joe "Nip" McKnight (December 4, 1933 – February 20, 2023) was an American politician who represented Tennessee's 27th district in the state senate from 1987–1995.

Early life[edit]

McKnight grew up in Bemis, Tennessee, a company town run by the Bemis Company that merged into the city of Jackson in 1977. His father, a former college basketball player at University of Tennessee-Martin, taught McKnight the game at a young age. He continued playing throughout high school and college, first for Memphis State University before transferring to UT-Martin, where McKnight broke his father's scoring record. After graduation, McKnight taught at South Side High School in Jackson for two years. He was then hired by Martin-Marietta Ammunition of Milan and served as the company's production superintendent for sixteen years.[1]

Political career[edit]

McKnight served as Madison County commissioner for eight years prior to winning the 1986 state senate election.[1] He defeated Bobby Carter in the tight 1990 election,[2] but lost to Carter four years later.

Personal[edit]

McKnight married Sandra Maddox in 1960.[1][3]

McKnight died on February 20, 2023.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Mays, Bobbie (June 13, 2012). "Getting Acquainted With Our Members" (PDF). FUMC First Edition. 11 (11). Jackson, Tennessee: First United Methodist Church: 6–7. Retrieved January 5, 2015.[dead link] Alt URL
  2. ^ Guillaum, Ted (January 22, 2002). "SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON CONTESTED ELECTION BOBBY CARTER v. JOE NIP McKNIGHT 1990-1991" (PDF). TN.gov. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  3. ^ "Obituaries for May 16, 2013". Dyersburg State Gazette. May 16, 2013. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  4. ^ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/senator-joe-nip-mcknight-11165965