Brian Thomas Knight's Obituary
Brian Thomas Knight, beloved husband, father, Papa, and friend, passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 56. He was born on April 23, 1970, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Brian grew up in Tulsa and attended Union High School alongside his siblings, Sherill and Jason Knight. From an early age, he had a passion for sports, participating in wrestling, soccer, and football. Shortly after graduating from Union High School, he met the love of his life, Theresa. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Ashley, Blake, and twins Courtney and Carson.
Brian was the kind of person who could make anyone laugh. Whether he was telling a joke, singing karaoke along with the radio, or pulling a prank, he brought laughter wherever he went. His sense of humor was one of the many reasons he was so deeply loved.
To countless kids, Brian was known as "Coach." He had an incredible love for the game. Whether he was on the field, in the dugout, on the sidelines, or cheering from the stands, coaching was where he felt at home. But he was much more than a coach. He was a mentor, a father figure, and someone who believed in bringing out the very best in every child he coached. The lessons he taught reached far beyond sports, and the relationships he built with his players will continue to impact them for years to come.
Above all else, Brian loved his family and friends. Many of his closest friends became family through the teams he coached over the years. He loved a backyard cookout, a good chicken fight, and college sports. A devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan, Brian never missed an opportunity to cheer on OU. He would even root for Oklahoma State-as long as they weren't playing the Sooners.
No matter where life took him, Brian always seemed to know someone. Whether at a grocery store, a baseball field, or a stadium halfway across the country, someone would inevitably stop him for a hug or a conversation. His kindness, genuine interest in others, and unforgettable personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Brian is preceded in death by his father Tom Knight and brother Jason Knight.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa Knight; his children, Ashley and her husband, Brian Newman; Blake and his girlfriend, Sabrena Grandon; Courtney and her husband, Grant Clark; and Carson and her husband, Jesse McDermott.
His greatest joy in life was being "Papa." He leaves behind the grandchildren who brought endless smiles to his face: Bri and Brynn Newman, Molly Clark, Baylor McDermott, Cash Knight, and Maddox, Mason, and Gavin Moore. No matter what he was facing, his grandkids could always brighten his day.
Brian is also survived by his mother, Jan Knight and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom he loved dearly.
Brian's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched-as a husband, father, Papa, coach, mentor, and friend. He will be remembered for his laughter, his unwavering love for his family, and the way he made everyone around him feel like they belonged. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
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