Charlie Ray Knighten, Sr.

Charlie Ray Knighten, Sr., 98, departed this life on Monday, July 24th, 2023. Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Viewing will be held Monday, July 31st, 2023 at Griffin Mortuary from 4 to 6 p.m. Charlie Ray Knighten Sr. was born March 4, 1925, in Lone Oak Texas to Willie Lee Knighten and Emma Blaylock -Knighten. As a middle child he was preceded in death by both parents and siblings Otis James Knighten, Alvie Bailey, Doris Fulbright and Elonzy Knighten Sr.  He would grow up to serve in the Navy before moving to Lubbock where he met and married Willie Lee Kendricks-Knighten. Together they raised Suszette Knighten, Charlie Ray Knighten Jr., James Ray Knighten and Donny Wayne Knighten.  He also was the dad to Helen Marie Skief and Charlsie Gay Hooker who both preceded him in death. He worked at Plains Cooperative Oil Mill for 22 years before enjoying 33 years of retirement. He leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, a host of grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of community members who he served as a father figure and was simply known as “Papa.”