January 10, 1945 - April 30, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael "Mike" Carroll Knight, who left this world on April 30, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.

Mike's journey began in Montross, Virginia, as the son of Fletcher and Mary Knight. A true Virginia gentleman, he embodied the values of service, integrity, and dedication throughout his remarkable life.

His adventure truly began at Virginia Tech, where he proudly joined the Corps of Cadets and played baseball while pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Architecture. It was during a fateful summer break that Mike met Molly Birge, the woman who would become his wife and partner for over five decades until her passing in 2021. Their marriage on July 23, 1966, marked the beginning of a beautiful life journey that would take them across continents and through countless adventures together.

After completing his Master's degree in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech in 1970, Mike embarked on what would become a distinguished 21½-year military career, attending Officer Candidate School at Fort Dix, NJ. His service took him to South Korea, Germany, and to numerous posts throughout the United States. His expertise and leadership were recognized at the highest levels, leading to prestigious assignments at the Pentagon and White House during President George H.W. Bush's administration. He also shared his knowledge as an instructor at VMI, teaching Concrete Materials while serving as battalion XO for the ROTC division.

Following his military retirement, Mike continued to serve his country in civilian roles, managing facilities for the U.S. Army's National Ground Intelligence Center and Defense Intelligence Agency in Charlottesville.

Mike's dedication and excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and the Presidential Service Badge, which he wore with particular pride.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was a 3rd degree Mason, an active member of several American Legion posts, and served his church community as a junior warden at the Church of Our Saviour. Mike pursued his many passions with joy and vigor—hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, painting, dancing, playing guitar, gardening, and traveling the world.

Those who knew Mike will remember his infectious smile, his knack for turning strangers into friends, and his boundless enthusiasm for life's adventures both big and small. He approached each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In his final years, Mike was blessed to find companionship with Mary Ann Mundt of Louisa, VA, who brought adventure and joy to his life.

Mike leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his daughter Kathleen Barrett; sons Michael Knight II and Robert Knight; sisters Suzanne Tolson, Hope Bunch, and Peggy Beasley; and twelve beloved grandchildren: Scott, Jackson, Stuart, Andrew, Corinna, Faith, Molly, Bryn, Johnathan, Sophia, Luke, and Traver. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Molly, his parents, and his sister Jacqueline.

A celebration of Mike's extraordinary life will be held on June 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm in Trinity Hall at the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal Church (1165 Rio Road East, Charlottesville, VA 22901). Both Mike and Molly will find their final resting place together at Arlington National Cemetery in the summer of 2026—a fitting tribute to their lives of service and devotion.

Those wishing to honor Mike's memory may consider making a donation to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Scholarship Fund or the Sarcoma Foundation of America.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that the impact of his life will continue through all those he inspired, mentored, and loved. Mike would want each of you to remember that "It's not about the years in your life, but the life in your years."