James Odell Knight, known as “Cotton” to his family and friends, age 101, passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2026, at his home in Security, Texas, surrounded by his family. Mr. Knight was born to Julian Travis Knight and Millie Ann Morgan Knight on April 3, 1925, in Daisetta, Texas.
Mr. Knight served in the U.S. Army in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He married Billye Earle Dodd on February 9, 1946, in Houston, Texas. The couple was blessed with three daughters. Mr. Knight worked for Texas Gulf Sulphur Company in Newgulf, Texas, for 32 years.
Mr. Knight was a devout Christian his entire life, serving as a deacon for 70 years and teaching Sunday School for several decades. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Newgulf and later Security First Baptist Church. He had a deep love for his Savior, Jesus. He proudly proclaimed God’s goodness through scripture to all those around him, especially his children and grandchildren. His legacy of faith was witnessed by all who knew him.
Mr. Knight was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Billye Earl Dodd, on April 7, 2018. He is survived by his daughters Dianne Knight Boyd of Security, Gayla Knight of Security, and daughter and son-in-law Kathy Knight Suchadoll and Jay Suchadoll of Wharton.
He is also survived by six grandchildren, including Robert Boyd and wife Trish of Cut and Shoot; Jeff Boyd and wife, Emily, of Groveton; Kristen Suchadoll Sharp and husband, Ben, of Wharton; Kaitlyn Suchadoll Humberson and husband, Jeremy, of Wharton; Kara Suchadoll and wife, Heather Rice, of Wharton; Jimmy Cox and wife, Connie, of Angleton; nine great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and many beloved nephews, nieces and friends.
Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Morgan Cemetery in Splendora, Texas. Pallbearers are Jacob Boyd, Caleb Boyd, Joshua Boyd, Jimmy Cox, Andrew Sharp and Matthew Sharp. Honorary pallbearers are Shelby Boyd, Natalie Boyd Leftwich, Kayla Cox, and Madalyn Sharp.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Samaritan’s Purse at http://www.samaritanspurse.org