Archie Alan McKnight, 79, of Jasper, passed away on Tuesday morning, March 10, 2026. A Graveside Service will be conducted on Friday afternoon, March 13, 2026, at Resthaven Cemetery, in Jacksonville, to begin at 2:00pm. Pastor Jack White will officiate the service under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home.

Archie was born on March 23, 1946, to James Edgar McKnight and Emma Irby McKnight - both deceased. Archie was a Veteran serving in the Navy and spent the majority of his adult life in law enforcement working for the Nacogdoches Police Department, Rusk Police Department and then the Cherokee County Sheriff's office. In addition, he was a private investigator and an expert in fingerprint analysis.

He obtained his pilot's license while working for the Nacogdoches Police Department and spent weekends flying single engine airplanes to and from Dallas until he moved to Rusk to serve as their Chief of Police.

Archie was quick witted and loved to joke around. He could turn a serious situation into one filled with laughter, with one simple sly comment or joke. If he liked you, he was poking fun and joking around with you.

Archie is survived by his son Rusty McKnight, daughter Andrea McKnight Grimes (Phillip), son in law Charles Campbell (Laura), and son Christopher McKnight. He is survived by his grandsons Matthew Grimes (Tabi), Cody Grimes (Sydney), granddaughter Lindsey Langham along with many great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister Verna McKnight Fruge, brothers Jerry McKnight (Albertia), Irby McKnight (Vicki) and Earl McKnight.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Debbie McKnight, brothers Thomas McKnight, Manual McKnight, Gene McKnight, Hershel McKnight, sister Cora McKnight Byars and daughter Laura Campbell.

Please send floral contributions to Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, Texas.