VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Barry Knight, a longtime Republican delegate representing Virginia Beach in the General Assembly, died on Thursday at 71.
Knight was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2009. He served on various committees, including General Laws and Transportation.
House Speaker Don Scott and Minority Leader Terry Kilgore released a joint statement on Knight's passing.
"Today we have lost a colleague and a friend, and the Commonwealth of Virginia has lost a dedicated statesman. For over 15 years in the House of Delegates, Barry Knight was a steady and respected presence, working tirelessly to keep our Commonwealth’s budget on track and to serve the people of Virginia Beach and all Virginians," Scott and Kilgore wrote.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Barry Knight. Delegate Knight was a fierce advocate and dedicated public servant. I pray that his wife Paula, his children, and their families find comfort knowing that he fought hard and he is finally at peace," wrote former House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
Former House Speaker Kirk Cox wrote, "Julie and I join his friends and family in remembering his legacy of service while praying for his wife Paula and their children."
It was with great sadness this afternoon that I learned of the passing of my friend Barry Knight. Julie and I join his friends and family in remembering his legacy of service while praying for his wife Paula and their children. "Barry served the people of Virginia Beach with distinction since 2009, and had an unparalleled understanding of Virginia’s budget. As Speaker, it was my pleasure to appoint him to serve as a budget conferee. In that capacity, he served our entire state with honor."
Delegates Kelly Convirs-Fowler, Alex Askew and Michael Feggans wrote that they "join the City of Virginia Beach in mourning" Knight's passing.
"We join the City of Virginia Beach in mourning the passing of Delegate Barry D. Knight, who served in the House of Delegates for over15 years with deep commitment to Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth. He served on several committees, most notably as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and served as a strong advocate for the Pungo community in Virginia Beach. Above all, Barry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Paula; their children, Hunter, Kyle, and Forrest; and all who mourn his passing.”
Knight is a native Virginian and worked in agriculture his whole life, according to his website. He worked on a neighbor's farm until he was 26, when he purchased his own farm, and worked winters as a long haul trucker.
He ran Barry D. Knight Farms, which he grew to 640 acres and produced as many as 25,000 finished hogs per year, his website states. He served as President of the Tidewater Pork Producers from 1984-1990 and earned many awards in the role.
Knight received an honorary Doctorate from Old Dominion University, according to his website.
Knight is survived by his wife Paula of 41 years and three sons, Hunter, Kyle and Forrest.
Read the full statement from Scott and Kilgore below:
“Today we have lost a colleague and a friend, and the Commonwealth of Virginia has lost a dedicated statesman. For over 15 years in the House of Delegates, Barry Knight was a steady and respected presence, working tirelessly to keep our Commonwealth’s budget on track and to serve the people of Virginia Beach and all Virginians. “While we had differences of opinion on many things, no one would ever question Barry Knight’s dedication to the people of this Commonwealth. His experience and expertise made a lasting impact on this body. “He didn’t speak often, but when he did people listened. He was steady. And in this place steady matters more than people realize. “We grieve with his family today. We mourn with his beloved wife, Paula, and their three children, Hunter, Kyle, and Forrest. It was an honor to serve alongside him. He will be deeply missed."
