David Allen Knight

David Allen Knight—known to just about everyone simply as Dave—was born on November 20, 1977, in Titusville, Florida, and left this world on September 4, 2026.

David was many things to many people: a devoted husband, loving dad, proud Opa, son, brother, coach, loyal friend, sports fanatic, soccer enthusiast, poker player, and a gifted chef, But above all else Dave was family.

He shared 26 years of marriage with his wife, Debbie Knight, whom he married on September 9, 2000. Together they built a life filled with love, family laughter, memories, and lots of sports.

David was a proud father to Sierra Knight, David Knight II, and Leron Berry, and an especially proud Opa to Mia and Leo Berry. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved.

David loved sports. All sports. If there was a game on, there was a pretty good chance David was watching it, talking about it, analyzing it, or passionately debating it with anyone willing to listen.

Soccer, however, held a special place in his heart. Dave played the game throughout his childhood and later spent 10 years coaching youth and high school soccer, sharing not only his love of the game but also his time, energy, encouragement, and probably a few opinions about the referee's decisions. He taught lessons that extended well beyond the field, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and confidence.

He was also a devoted supporter of the Orlando City Lions, and his passion for the Lions was impossible to miss whether you were sitting beside him in the stands or simply in the same room on match day.

One of Dave's greatest loves was cooking. He genuinely enjoyed bringing people together around food, and some of the happiest moments of his life were spent preparing meals for family and friends. His grill was more than just an appliance. It was a gathering place. Dave took pride in perfecting recipes, experimenting, and making sure everyone left the table well fed.

Whether he was smoking meats for hours, grilling burgers for a family cookout, or preparing a holiday feast, Dave approached cooking with the same enthusiasm and dedication he brought to everything else he loved. The sounds and smells coming from his grill became a familiar and comforting part of family gatherings. For Dave, cooking was never just about the food. It was his way of showing love, creating memories, and bringing people together.

When he wasn't following sports, David enjoyed playing poker, whether online with friends or around a table during a house game. He loved the competition, the camaraderie, and of course occasional win.

But Dave’s real life's work was being there for the people he loved. He was the heart of the family. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughs, arguments about sports, poker games, coaching memories, family gatherings, cookouts, celebrations, and countless moments that will continue to bring smiles long after the tears have dried.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Knight, daughter Sierra Knight (Leron Berry), son David Knight II and grandchildren Mia and Leo Berry, all of Titusville, Florida.

He is also survived by his father, Joe Kenney, and stepmother, Jeannie Kenney, of Jasper, Arkansas; grandmother Gladys Doler of Mims, Florida; sister Shannon Knight (Kimberly Watts) of Beverly, Massachusetts; brother Brian Knight (Heather) of Sanford, North Carolina; sister Courtney Van Hemert (Ernie) of Jasper, Arkansas; brother William Carlile of Titusville, Florida; brother Joseph Kenney (Jessica) of Greenbriar, Arkansas; brother Christopher Kenney of Harrison, Arkansas; along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Nina Knight.

There will be no shortage of stories about David. Some will be completely accurate. Others may get better with every telling. And knowing David, he would almost certainly have had an opinion on which version was best.

His family hopes those who knew him will remember him not only with sadness, but also with laughter, love, a good soccer game, a little friendly competition, and a meal shared with people who matter most.

David's journey may have reached its final whistle, but the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he shared will continue to live on.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Details will be announced when arrangements are finalized.

Until we meet again, David. May the games always be on, your team always win, your grill forever stay hot, and your poker hand always be better than everyone else's.