1939-2026
Carlton Wayne Knight 87, of Ward, AR passed away May 1, 2026, in Ward. He was born March 16, 1939, in Onward, Mississippi to the late Coleman Woodrow and Thelma Louise Shepherd Knight. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Jimmy and one granddaughter Caitlyn Dempsey.
He was a member of Grace Community Church in Ward and was owner of Central Arkansas Guttering Inc. for 50 years. Wayne was District Governor of Lions Club in Searcy, member of Quorum Court in Searcy, member Chamber of Commerce in Ward, Auxiliary policeman in Searcy and worked for Southwestern Bell for 30 plus years. He was very active, loved to travel and playing tricks on the children getting quarters out of their ears.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda Kay Knight of Ward, three sons, Mike (Kim) Knight of Kingwood, TX, Greg (Sandra) Knight of Searcy, AR and Phillip (Cathy) Dempsehy of Pearland, TX, four daughters, Angela (Kipp) Hankins of Cabot, AR, Deanna (Gary) Mizell of Watson, AR, Tavia (Mike) Runion of Wittmann, AZ and Krissi (Matt) May of Harvest, AL, one brother, Danny (Melionee) Knight of Sherwood, AR, two sisters, Eloise Raley of Arkadelphia, AR and Cathryn Bradley of Sherwood, AR, nineteen grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life Reception come and go at Grace Community Church from 5:00-7:00pm, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Ward, AR.
Graveside service will be Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2:00pm Dark Corner Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Raley officiating. Memorials may be made in memory of Wayne to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Children’s Hospital or food pantry. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, AR.
