Gregory Barrington McKnight

Gregory Barrington McKnight, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and dear friend passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 72. Gregory Barrington McKnight was born on May 2, 1948 to parents, Thomas and Pauline McKnight. He grew up as the eldest of three kids with his younger siblings Thurman and Lora McKnight. Greg was an army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War for just under 3 years. In 1969, while serving with the army, Greg welcomed his son Gregory Barrington McKnight, II from a previous union. Greg met and married Penny Cooper McKnight on June 16, 1973. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Greg graduated with a Bachelor in Science from the University of Colorado Denver. His early career was spent working with the United Bank of Denver as well as in technology with Xerox and other companies. In 1979 Greg and Penny welcomed their son, Brandon Cooper McKnight. Greg was a doting grandfather to his three grandchildren, Remington, Elizabeth and Simon McKnight. Greg, who is often described as “larger than life,” enjoyed taking part in a wide variety of passions and interests. Some of his hobbies included a love of skiing, reading, acting, board games and politics. Greg founded a company, Wanser Works, with aspirations of selling his favorite rum and tequila to help keep the party going. Later in life Greg learned to play bridge and joined a club called the Bridge Buddies. They enjoyed weekly bridge games and a lot of laughter. After the last of his grandchildren were born, Greg and Penny moved to New Orleans to be close to family and friends. Greg taught “What Makes New Orleans Unique” at the People Program which was the highlight of his life living in the city that he loved dearly. While in New Orleans Greg also became a lector and joined the choir of Transfiguration Catholic Church. He was a member of the Titans of Greater New Orleans. Greg lived an extravagant lifestyle full of fine dining and exotic wines. He loved a good party, and was often the center of the fun. Greg was preceded in death by his mother and father, Thomas and Pauline McKnight. He is survived by his wife Penny; their son, Brandon Cooper, his wife Megan and their children Elizabeth and Simon. He also leaves his son Gregory Barrington and his grandson Remington. Greg leaves behind his brother (Thurman), sister (Lora), and their children (Dionne and London), his sister-in-law (Gaynell), and her children (Leslie and David), as well as many aunts and cousins from Parsons, Kansas, and his New Orleans family who he lovingly referred to as “outlaws.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 5621 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation to be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment to follow, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. In lieu of flowers, Greg requested that donations be made to the People Program, a non-profit cause that he believed in deeply. Greg is a beloved member of the family, and will be dearly missed. In the words of Greg’s favorite toast. “To us, and to those of them like us, damn few!” Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.