Knight, Thomas Leslie Nickelson

Longtime Attorney Thrived On Being Active

  • Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Thomas Leslie Nickelson Knight
Thomas Leslie Nickelson Knight

Thomas Leslie Nickelson Knight of Chattanooga passed away on July 12, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen; their two children, Tevis (Laura) Knight, Cynthia (Ed) Adams; three grandchildren, Nick, Robert, and Ruth; brother Donald (Mary) Knight of Spartanburg; sister Janice Labig of Oak Ridge; brother-in-law Walter (Gwen) Harris of Yorktown; cousin Nancy Scruci; and his niece and nephews.

Tom lived in Malvern, Ar., until moving to Oak Ridge, Tn. when he was eight. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1967, attended Tennessee Wesleyan, received his undergraduate degree from Florida State, earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from University of Tennessee, and subsequently practiced law over the next 45 years until retirement.

He was a dedicated and thoughtful husband, father, and grandfather. Tom thrived on being active, especially doing any outdoor activity with friends and family. Many of his most favorite times were spent at the beach or at Watts Bar and Chickamauga lakes. When pursuing anything he was totally committed. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, sailed for years at the Privateer Yacht Club (serving once as Commodore of the club) and, lastly developed a love of golfing. Family was most important to him and he was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. With a focus on detail and a dry sense of humor, he would always have the exact word(s) to convey his thoughts. He also enjoyed UT Vol football, travels, excellent food, and a good Manhattan "on the rocks".

A visitation for friends and family will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home on Saturday, July 20, from 1-3 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank or any charitable cause of your choice.

Obituaries
Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line
Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line
  • 5/6/2025

Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line, a cherished longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025. She was born on Oct. 12, 1974, to Herbert and Peggy ... more

Vickie Sue Seagle
Vickie Sue Seagle
  • 5/6/2025

Vickie Sue Seagle of Harrison, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Vickie was preceded in death by her husband ... more

Jane Bennett Bowne
Jane Bennett Bowne
  • 5/6/2025

Jane Bennett Bowne, 84, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died on March 26, 2025, where she was most comfortable, at home, on her couch, in the morning sunlight, with her loved ones surrounding her. ... more