Lawton Holman Knight, Jr.

Jul 18, 1941 -

Nov 21, 2025

Lawton Holman "Dutch" Knight, Jr. was born on July 18, 1941, in Greenville, S. C., to Mr. Lawton Holman Knight Sr. and Mrs. Ethel Gaffney Knight. The eldest of five children, Dutch grew up surrounded by a large, loving extended family in South Carolina. He graduated from Greenville High in 1959 and attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill on a football scholarship. He later transferred to Furman University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.

In the early 1970s, after vising his best friend in Alaska, Dutch fell in love with the beauty and opportunity in the "Last Frontier." In 1974, he moved to Juneau with his first wife, Judy Gettys Knight, and their three children. A few years later, Dutch relocated to Anchorage with his second wife, Carrie Mortell-Brawley, where they raised four children. Anchorage remained his home for the rest of his life.

Dutch was a salesman, businessman, and entrepreneur, but above all, he considered himself a lifelong student. He read, watched, and learned about a wide variety of topics and encouraged those around him to do the same. He loved nature and cherished time outdoors with family and friends – walking, taking photographs, fishing, camping, and hunting.

Dutch lived and loved unapologetically. He was generous, funny, intelligent, unconventional, caring, stubborn, inclusive, sarcastic, witty, and deeply loving. Nothing mattered more to him than his children and grandchildren, who were his greatest pride. Though he did not meet every grandchild in person, he treasured each one, studying their photos and celebrating their families and accomplishments. His favorite titles were "Grandpa" and "Papa," and a smile or hug from a grandchild was the greatest gift he could receive.

Dutch was preceded in death by his mother (1973), father (1974); sister, Susan Knight Surles (1978); and brother, Frank Knight (2001). He is survived by his sister, Emily Knight Surles; and brother, John Knight (Sharon). He also leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the lives of his eight children: Dutch III, Lesslie, Christopher, Jason, Dustin, Nicole (Mike), Danielle, and Michelle (Darion); 23 grandchildren: Dutch IV, Courtney, Abbey, Maria, Mia, Kallen, Kolby, Augustine, Aspen (Zach), Noah, Alexandra, Kylianna, Samira, Catriona, Ravynn, Kayla (Jake), Mia (Troy), Gregory, Jacob, Ali, Liam, Braylon, and Xavia; and five great grandchildren: Kaden, Juliet, Marlee, Miriam, and Rockelle.

Special thanks to the many individuals who provided Dutch with compassionate care over the years: Dolly, Ramil, Ashley, Lexi, Rommel, Seann, Mo, Sue, Sister Cecelia, Jeff, Jennifer, Shaina, and countless others. A very special thanks is extended to Carrie Mortell-Brawley, who was with him and ensured he left this world with love, care, compassion, and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, Dutch's family asks that you honor his memory by spending time with a loved one, visiting a senior, or sharing companionship with a resident of a nursing facility.

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalms 73:26