Leslie “Les” Rolon Knight, Jr. was born June 6, 1947 in Keene, New Hampshire to the late Leslie Rolon Knight, Sr. and Pearl N. Northrup, who died during child birth. His father later met and married Ms. Alice Hoctor, in July, 1949.Les attended Marlborough High School where he graduated in 1965. He attended the University of New Hampshire for two years but decided to answer a call to military service.

He entered the U.S. Navy where he excelled as an Arabic Interpreter for four years, on the Island of Cypress. (1970-1974)‘’Les” was a member of Samaritan Missionary BaptistChurch, Varnville, S.C. and served faithfully not only on Samaritan’s usher board, but was eager to serve upon request at area churches when needed. He was a member of Sisters &Brother’s Benevolent Society (SBS) and SBS Huspah Home Society. Les moved to the Summerville/Charleston, SC area during 1974 and later to Ormond and Daytona Beach, FL in 1984.He ultimately returned to South Carolina and made his home in Hampton, SC. His charismatic personality drew others to him along with his scholarship and desire to teach God’s word.Throughout his life Les enjoyed reading, was a thinker, an encourager, and a very kind and generous human being. Les had a passionate affection for his dogs, “Coco” and “Mali”, often cooking for them instead of himself. We shall miss him,but look to greet him around the throne where no farewell tears are shed.

He joined The ACCESS Network, Inc. family, a nonprofit agency located in Hampton, SC and devoted one year as a volunteer. He specialized in HIV support services and was ultimately hired during 2002 as a full-time and loyal member of the staff. His career took form and he blossomed into a“servant” for those who found themselves in need of support.Les always put clients’ needs first. He wore many hats and was known as an HIV prevention educator, HIV Positive Peer Navigator, and specialist in HIV testing and counseling. He remained an advocate for people living with HIV and linkage to community resources like medical treatment and housing,to name a few.

He manifested his devotion to community through his expressions of love and willingness to help “the least of these”.During his tenure at ACCESS, Inc., Les continued to volunteer in prison ministry at Allendale Correctional Institution. He was instrumental in the formation of a “character dorm” and regularly provided healthy lifestyle and anger management workshops. He never found it “robbery” to help and serve anyone in need because of his divine calling to serve.

“Les” served on several national and state advocacy groups including membership on the Southern AIDS Strategy Initiative (SASI), South Carolina HIV Community Planning Council, and the South Carolina HIV Task Force. Mr. Knight also served on several HIV Consumer Advisory Boards, as well as, served as a state representative during AIDS Watch in Washington, D.C. for several years. Throughout it all Lessuccessfully completed a certification in Ministry from Morris College Extension program during May, 2016.In July, 2016 he was nominated and selected as a recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award Bronze level for his dedication and time serving as a volunteer with the Guardian ad Litem, and other community organizations including The Positive Influence Social Club. Les was devoted and remained in service to ACCESS Network, Inc., until his death.

“Les” is preceded in death by his parents; Mr. Leslie Rolon Knight, Sr., and Pearl Northrup Knight. He departed this life on Monday, November 6, 2017 at the Medical University of SouthCarolina.

He leaves to cherish memories: his sister, Ms. Kitty (Bucky Greene) Knight of Ormond Beach, FL; two nieces, Megan Smith (Lt. Col. Matthew) of Bethesda, MD and Erin (Dr.Brent) Fulton of Ormond Beach, FL; Johnnie “Nonnie” James (Mom) two adopted sons; Michael Moseley of Hampton, SC and Eric Reed of Chicago, IL; three sisters, GwendolynJ. Bampfield, of Hampton, SC, Ethel (Jimmy) Denmark of Yemassee, SC, Barbara Lee, Brooklyn, NY; special friends: Shirley Doctor, Hampton, SC, Carolyn Wesley of Varnville, SC, and Penny Allen of Chicago, IL; ACCESS Network family; and a host of other relatives, friends and colleagues.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by hisgrace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts andstrengthen you in every good deed and word. 1Thessalonians 2:16-17