Curtis McKnight Jr. was born May 17, 1944, to the late Curtis Sr. and Annie E. McKnight in Liberty, Mississippi. He was the 9th of 10 children.

Ever the enterpriser with an unparalleled work ethic, Curtis found ways to earn money at a young age. During his school years he sold peanuts, drove the school bus and completed various fabrication projects for his high school principal.

He graduated from Central High School in 1964. Soon after graduation he migrated north to join his brothers in Cleveland, OH. He began to work with his brothers at Aero Welders and discovered that he had a knack for welding. He would go on to become the best welder in Cleveland, a fact that he dared anyone to dispute and always stood ready to prove. He worked at Picker International for nearly 20 years before becoming a full-time entrepreneur alongside his brothers at McKnight Brothers Welding.

Curtis professed faith in Jesus Christ as a young adult and dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He served as a trustee at Progressive Baptist Church for over 50 years. He loved feeding his church family. He managed the kitchen committee for several years, provided after service refreshments for over two decades and organized the annual church picnic for nearly 30 years.

A horrific motorcycle accident resulted in a lengthy hospital stay that would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. During his time in the hospital, Curtis met a young dietician who would become the love of his life, Azzie. They were married on July 31, 1976. To their union two daughters were born, LáRhonda and Cherese. They were the best daughters a dad could have, another fact that he dared anyone to dispute.

Curtis really knew how to light up a room. Literally, he could build it from the ground up, run the wires, install the fixtures and keep the lights on even in the toughest of circumstances. But he also made sure that every single person who entered that room felt seen and valued regardless of their station in life.

Curtis has reunited in heaven with his: wife, Azzie; father, Curtis; mother, Annie; five brothers, Edwards (Katie), Leonard (Nadine), TS (Jean), Sylvester, Thomas (Crystal) and sisters, Audrey and Wilma Dean.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his: daughters, LáRhonda and Cherese, brothers Obydee (Marlene) and Melvin (Toni); two adopted sisters/nieces Lynda and Yolanda, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.