NASHVILLE — William Daniel “Jack” Knight, 72, of Nashville died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at Berrien County Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church of Nashville with a private burial to follow.

Mr. Knight was born March 2, 1934 in Ray City to the late E.M. “Hun” Knight and Gladys Daniel Paulk Knight, both lifelong residents of Berrien County. He was educated in the public schools of Berrien County and graduated from Ray City High School in 1951. He received his BS degree from Valdosta State College in 1955. During his time at Valdosta State, Jack was a proud member of the first baseball team fielded by the college. In 1958, Jack earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia that same year.

Jack engaged in the active practice of law in state and federal courts for 19 years in Nashville. He served as the county attorney as well as city attorney for Alapaha, Enigma and Ray City.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Nashville and was also a member and supporter of the Berrien County Historical Foundation. Jack also enjoyed being part of the New Lois Community Club and numerous other civic and community organizations.

His political involvement included serving on the city council of Ray City. In 1961 he was elected to service in the Georgia House of Representatives and served two more terms.

He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and the Gridiron Society. In 1958, he entered the Georgia National Guard at Cochran Field in Macon. He later transferred to the National Guard of Georgia Company C, 121st Armored Infantry 160 Armored Group in Tifton.

Jack served as judge of the superior courts of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit from May 24, 1977 to Dec. 31, 1996 when he was appointed senior judge. Jack’s life was full of love for his family, friends, the law and Cedar Hill Farm. Through his service to his community and his character, he left an indelible mark in the hearts and lives of many.

Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jane Stallings Knight; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Knight and Jeff Bobbitt of Macon; son and daughter-in-law, William Daniel “Dan” Jr. and Julie English Knight of Nashville; loving grandchildren, Harrison and Lucy Bobbitt of Macon; and his good friend, Steven Green. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Paulk; and sister, Louise Paulk Moran.

The family may be contact at home. They request that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Nashville, the Berrien Health Care Advocates or the Berrien Historical Foundation. Lovein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.