Joe McKnight (politician) explained

Joe McKnight
State Senate:Tennessee
District:27th
Term Start:1987
Term End:1995
Successor:Bobby Carter
Birth Date:December 4, 1933
Birth Place:Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
Alma Mater:Memphis 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

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

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

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

McKnight died on February 20, 2023.[4]

Notes and References

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