Obituary: Odell McKnight Sr. Dies at 74

WATERBURY — Odell McKnight Sr., 74 of 577 Columbia Boulevard Ext., departed this life Tuesday, January 10, 2012 after a short illness.

Mr. McKnight was born December 27, 1937 in Louisburg, N.C., son of the late Henry Walker and Katherine McKnight. He was formerly employed by Ansonia Copper and Brass Co., retiring in 2002. He was an avid gardener, a WWE Wrestling fan and had a great affection for westerns and classical blac & white movies. Being the patriarch of the family for decades he is known for giving nicknames such as Buggie, Racoon, Lil Boss, BoBo, Baby Bear, and PoohPooh. 

He was a loving and truly caring father leaving two daughters, Shirley McKnight of the home, Lynette Beynum (Walter Allen) of Washington, D.C., four sons, Odell Jr., Claudell, Tracey, and Jonathan McKnight all of Waterbury, the mother of his children Claudine Teasley of Wendell, N.C., two brothers Kenneth Evans (Betty) of Washington, D.C., and Thomas Kearney of Oxon Hill, Md.

He also leaves 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two aunts, nine sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by a daughter Janette McKnight, two sisters Lettie Ann Kearney and Mary Hamilton, three brothers Robert Lander Evans, Willie Kearney and James Edward Kearney. One step brother Leroy Kearney. 

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday January 17, 2012 at 11 a.m., at the Zion Baptist Church 137 Pearl Street, Waterbury, with Minister Jannise R. Herbert officiating. Calling hours will be at the church on Tuesday at 10 a.m., until the time of the service and at other times at his home at 577 Columbia Boulevard Ext., in Waterbury. Interment will be in the New Pine Grove Cemetery. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT.  Messages of comfort:  www.hkhfuneralservcies.com