Joe McKnight (politician)
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.
Joe McKnight | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Tennessee Senate from the 27th district | |
| In office 1987–1995 | |
| Succeeded by | Bobby Carter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 4, 1933 Jackson, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | February 20, 2023 (aged 89) |
| Alma mater | Memphis State University University of Tennessee-Martin |
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.
References
- Mays, Bobbie (June 13, 2012). "Getting Acquainted With Our Members" (PDF). FUMC First Edition. Jackson, Tennessee: First United Methodist Church. 11 (11): 6–7. Retrieved January 5, 2015. Alt URL
- Guillaum, Ted (January 22, 2002). "SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON CONTESTED ELECTION BOBBY CARTER v. JOE NIP McKNIGHT 1990-1991" (PDF). TN.gov. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- "Obituaries for May 16, 2013". Dyersburg State Gazette. May 16, 2013. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/senator-joe-nip-mcknight-11165965