Thomas Leslie Nickelson Knight of Chattanooga passed away on the 12th of July after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen; their two children, Tevis (Laura) Knight, Cynthia (Ed) Adams; three grandchildren, Nick, Robert, and Ruth; brother Donald (Mary) Knight of Spartanburg; sister Janice Labig of Oak Ridge; brother-in-law Walter (Gwen) Harris of Yorktown; cousin Nancy Scruci; and his niece and nephews.

Tom lived in Malvern, Arkansas until moving to Oak Ridge, TN when he was 8. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1967, attended Tennessee Wesleyan, received his undergraduate degree from Florida State, earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from University of Tennessee, and subsequently practiced law over the next 45 years until retirement.

He was a dedicated and thoughtful husband, father, and grandfather. Tom thrived on being active, especially doing any outdoor activity with friends and family.  Many of his most favorite times were spent at the beach or at  Watts Bar and Chickamauga lakes. When pursuing anything he was totally committed. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, sailed for years at the Privateer Yacht Club (serving once as Commodore of the club) and, lastly developed a love of golfing. Family was most important to him and he was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. With a focus on detail and a dry sense of humor, he would always have the exact word(s) to convey his thoughts. He also enjoyed UT Vol football, travels, excellent food, and a good Manhattan "on the rocks".

A visitation for friends and family will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home on Saturday July 20 from 1-3pm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank or any charitable cause of your choice.