H. Jerold Knight, age 78 of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, FL. Born on July 24, 1948 in Winter Haven, FL, Jerold has left a legacy of service, friendship, and humor.

Jerold grew up in Bowling Green and graduated from Hardee High School in 1966 where his love for service and community began by serving as class vice president, class treasurer, the school newspaper's editor in chief, yearbook business manager, and president of both the Latin Club and Teen Club. After graduation he attended Florida State University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War, and was recognized by his superior officers for his leadership potential. Jerold was commissioned into the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Old Guard.

After his time in the military, Jerold returned to Hardee County and wasted no time becoming involved in the community. He held a position as a teacher at Hardee High School for 1 year and sponsored the color guard and drill team, lifeguarded and taught swimming lessons, served as mayor of Bowling Green, and was instrumental in opening the Bowling Green city pool. Jerold also became involved in showing and judging Paso Fino horses, and became the executive director of the Paso Fino Horse Association. During this time, he met many people from all over and his love for travel began. He eventually opened Travel Masters in Wauchula and began chaperoning trips for all ages across the United States and abroad. These trips had a full itinerary and were rarely leisurely, but they were fun and adventurous.

Jerold loved Hardee County and served the community in many capacities. He was a member of the American Legion Post #2, a school board member, member of the Hardee Education Foundation, Peace River Explorations Executive Director, Visit Hardee Board of Directors, appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board, and recently looked forward to serving on the 1948 HHS Revitalization Project, planned Super 60's Reunion and the 50's and 60's Reunion, and the Senior's Prom. He always had an idea for a fundraiser or public service projects, some of which included: auctions for the Cancer Society and Education Foundation, hot air balloon launches, First Grade class dinners, Pennies for First Graders, and Drive-Through the Hardee Lakes Park Day Outing during the pandemic. In 2022, Jerold was inducted into the Hardee County Hall of Fame for his community service, an honor he was very proud to receive.

As much as Jerold loved serving Hardee County, he loved the people more. Jerold had a knack for bringing people together, whether through travel, events, reunions, or just gathering friends for dinners out or at friends' homes. He enjoyed planning the events almost as much as attending, and often commandeered others to assist in the planning.

Jerold was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed bantering with friends and getting a laugh. If he gave someone a hard time, he most certainly cared for them.

Jerald is preceded in death by his parents K.L. And Donnell Knight of Bowling Green. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Knight Franz and grandchildren Riley Franz and Kendyll Franz all of Cookeville, TN. He also leaves behind sisters Luna Prestwood and Dian Driskell of Bowling Green, and brothers Perry Knight (Sue) and Larry Knight (Connie) of Wauchula, along with several nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by many special friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00pm at the Robarts Family Funeral Home Garden Chapel.