Melvin Clyde Knight, 93, of Charleston, SC, beloved husband of the late Marlene Fralix Knight, entered into eternal rest on April 24, 2026, with his children by his side. He is reunited with his wife of 70 years, parents, brothers, sisters, and grandson. He will be missed by the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy will be his sweet temperament, his thoughtfulness to others and his love for his wife, four children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grands and family. His Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1160 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Memorial Park, 3715 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Melvin was born August 6, 1932, in Charleston, SC to the late Oscar Emanuel Knight and Anna Estelle “Essie” Bunch Knight. He was born the fourth of five children. He started dating the love of his life, Marlene, in 1948, when he was just sixteen years old. He graduated from Rivers High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1952 and married Marlene in October of 1952. After a brief assignment in Thule, Greenland, he and Marlene moved to Panama City, Florida. While in the Air Force, he was named Airman of the Month and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. After serving four years in the Air Force, Melvin left Florida to return home to help run the family business, Knight’s Food Store, in downtown Charleston. He continued to work at that location until he retired, forty years later. He was well known in the community for his kindness and generosity.

In his younger years, Melvin enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family at Lions Beach, in Moncks Corner. After retiring, Melvin got heavily involved in the Charleston Elks Lodge #242 where he worked on various committees and eventually became Exalted Ruler from 1994-1995. If you did not see him in the lodge room, you would surely find him working in the kitchen or making one of his famous spaghetti dinners. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, receiving Elk of the Year, served as the Bingo Chairman along with his great friend, Charlie, and was in charge of the Youth Talent Show for twenty-five years.

He and his wife always attended church, where they were very active members. They both sang in the choir for more than 60 years and were lay Eucharistic ministers. Melvin also served on the Vestry multiple times as well as visiting, performing and singing at local nursing homes. Melvin will be remembered as a faithful servant of God.

He is survived by his four children, Cindy McLeod (Doug) of Walterboro, SC, Maria Rentz (Michael) of Charleston, SC , Melanie Wise of Charleston, SC, Melvin Knight Jr. (Paula) of Charleston, SC; 10 grandchildren - Hunter McLeod (Deceased), Kristen Whitfield (Jeff), DJ Wise, Michael Rentz (Taylor), Elizabeth Cundiff (Ian), Patrick Wise, Marshall Rentz (McKenzie), Madelyn Calabrese (Jared), Allison Knight, and Garrett Knight; 10 great grandchildren - Kylie, Mckenna, Rooks, Leighton, Coleman, Rylan, Aubrey, Abigail, Adalynn, and Calli.

He was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Essie Knight, grandson, Hunter Mcleod, one brother, Emmanuel David Knight, sisters, Valda Knight Leyh, Agnes Knight Thompson, and Nettie Knight Poulnot.

The family would love to thank Amedisys Hospice nurses for all their love, kindness, and support. A special thanks to Jennifer for all of her special care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting www.jhenrystruhr.com