Rufus Oscar Knight

Rufus Oscar Knight (Sprout), age 47, of Silver Spring, Maryland, went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. He was the son of Loretta Swindell Knight and the late Rufus Knight, Jr.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife Laura A. Knight and the joy of his heart, his beloved daughter Julia Alyse Knight (Beanie), his loving mother-in-law Charlotte Nelson, sister-in-law Marcia Trovato (Vincenzo Polistena); uncles Louis Knight (Rani) and James W. Swindell (Annie); aunts Genevea K. Johnson and Mildred T. Swindell; two "brother-cousins" Leo and Lester Purnell; and numerous other loving cousins and friends. He was a cherished son, husband, father, nephew, cousin and friend.

He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 26, 1978, to his grateful and proud parents. He enjoyed growing up in the open space of his home in Rustburg, VA where he played with his first Lab Sandy and exercised many opportunities to run across the yard to visit Mr. and Mrs. Payne and Tony. He loved Pastor Coleman, who baptized him and married him and Laura, and the Cross Road Baptist Church family. At two years old he started attending Sunday School with his dad. He enjoyed all youth activities which included being in the Christmas programs, singing on the Gospelettes and serving as an usher, even when he came back for Homecoming.

He always loved going to school. For him, it was a joy to attend Heritage Elementary School, Sandusky Middle School, Heritage High School and the Central Virginia Governor's School for Science and Technology. Following high school graduation, he attended the University of Virginia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Following graduation from UVA, he accepted employment in Northern Virginia. His professional career spanned several years of working as a software engineer for several entities including NCI Information Systems, Ascentium, and the University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security. While living in Northern Virginia he and his family became associated with the Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Kingstown Communion. After living in Northern Virginia for a few years, he, Laura and Julia moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. They were blessed to have settled in a neighborhood of wonderful, loving, and supportive neighbors.

To say that he "liked" golfing is an understatement. He "loved" the sport and never missed an opportunity to get his clubs out of the back of his truck and get to the course or driving range. He shared his love for the sport with Julia. Additionally, he loved his Virginia Cavaliers. When UVA played football or basketball, the family "graciously” let him have the room to himself.

He was a young man of great integrity, always respectful of others and willing to offer a helping hand. He always ended his phone calls to his family with "love you". He enjoyed his work, his family and his friends.

After a battle with cancer and pneumonia, he went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025.

When my task on earth O Lord is ended, grant me a home above.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12:00 Friday, December 19, 2025, at Cross Road Baptist Church, 191 Crossroads Lane, Evington, VA 24550. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

I'm Free

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.