OBITUARY: William Charles ‘Bill’ McKnight of Rockledge Passes Away at 78

By Space Coast Daily // January 27, 2026

Longtime Educator and Coach Moved to Rockledge in 1959

William Charles “Bill” McKnight, 78, passed away on January 21, 2026, in his hometown of Rockledge, Florida, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa, 750 Brevard Avenue in Cocoa, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a gathering at Beach Fly located at 513 Barton Boulevard in Rockledge from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – William Charles McKnight (Bill), 78, passed away on January 21, 2026, in his hometown of Rockledge, Florida, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Columbus, Georgia, on May 16, 1947, and spent his young childhood years there with his family until relocating to Eufaula, Alabama, in 1957. His family then moved to Rockledge, Florida, on October 31, 1959, where he would continue to live as a teenager.

He would attend Clearlake Junior High School and eventually Cocoa High School, where he graduated in 1965.

He was very involved in athletics and was the Cocoa High School quarterback, leading the Tigers to many memorable victories. He would then attend Brevard Junior College in 1967 and graduate from Florida State University in 1969 with a major in physical education.

His love of sports would define his career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director.

He was a difference maker in the lives of the students he taught and coached. Over his 38 years in education, he coached young people in football, basketball, baseball, and golf.

His career in education spanned six decades, beginning with his first coaching job at Chattahoochee, Florida, High School in 1969 as an assistant football coach. This would continue for the next 40-plus years, except for a five-year break when he was a Facilities Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Jacksonville.

(Pictured L-R) Bill McKnight, Justin McKnight, Danny McKnight, Jim McKnight. Bill, age 78, passed away on January 21, 2026, in his hometown of Rockledge, Florida, surrounded by his family.

Schools he coached at included Ashford (AL) High School, Rockledge High School, Palm Bay High School, Cocoa High School, and his last tenure was at Schofield Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina.

Bill was a “fix-it” guy, a trait he received from his father. He could fix anything with his tools. Beyond his ability to repair things, he loved fishing, golf, country music, and FSU football.

He also was a member of the Cocoa Elks, and could be found there most Wednesday evenings for dancing and fellowship with his friends. But most of all, he loved his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Diane Hemenway; his children, Tricia Smith (Darren) and Justin McKnight (Deena); two grandchildren, Gavin and Lenora; and two brothers, Danny (Linda) and Jim (Christine). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred McKnight, and a sister, Patricia. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa, 750 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL 32922, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a gathering at Beach Fly located at 513 Barton Boulevard in Rockledge from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Flowers can be sent to the Church in Bill’s name. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers, an organization that Bill supported.