August 10, 2024, 86, Goldsboro —

Millard Bruce Knights, 86, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Bruce was born in Enfield, Maine to the late Malinda E. and Millard James Knights on January 1, 1938.

After high school, Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. Following basic training at Camp Lejeune, NC, he was assigned to the 2nd MAW MCAAS Beaufort, SC. He separated from the Marine Corps in 1959 serving four years and achieving the rank of LCpl, but he never left the Corps and always held a strong affinity for the Marines.

In 1960, he continued proudly serving his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served over 26 years between the Marine Corps and the Air Force before retiring in 1983 at the rank of Master Sergeant. His career took him across the United States and around the world. He served in Spain, Okinawa, Japan, and Southeast Asia. He will always be remembered for his incredible intelligence and his patriotism. He protected his country and her allies on multiple deployments. Bruce’s valor and skill were recognized with numerous decorations including the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oakley leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following his retirement from the military, Bruce began a new career as a meat cutter in Goldsboro, NC. He trained in Dayton, Ohio and after earning his qualification he returned to Goldsboro, NC to start his new career. He spent over 15 years working at the SJAFB Commissary and Cozart Meat Processing.

He fully retired in 2000 and spent his golden years enjoying family and friends and his lifelong passions for golf and hunting. He loved traveling to Pennsylvania and Maine to spend time with family and friends whether at camp or at the annual River Driver’s Supper.

A gathering of friends will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in the chapel with full military honors.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dawn Anna Osborn Knights; their three children, Markham, Katie, and Heidi; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dorothy. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Gene.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.