Ralph Reid Knight Jr., aged 84, of Satellite Beach, FL sadly passed away on April 30th, 2026, at Viera Del Mar Rehabilitation Center in Melbourne, FL.

Reid hailed from Sanford, NC, graduating from Sanford Central High School in the Class of 1960. He moved to Florida and not long after was drafted into the military. He always liked to joke that when he was sent to basic training in North Carolina that he was sent home to serve. After his military service, he attended Brevard Community College, studying engineering and computer science. He lived in Satellite Beach where he met his wife-to-be, the late Martha Kay Knight. They made their home in Satellite Beach, before settling in Melbourne to start a family. Reid was a valued member of many teams that supported the space program from the 1960s through to the 2010s. He travelled throughout the US and Caribbean to support launch operations and provide technical support to NASA's space program for over 50 years.

He loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing in Steinhatchee, swimming at Cocoa Beach, canoeing in the many lakes & rivers around Brevard County, boating in the Indian River, bird watching at Black Point, and hiking nature trails throughout Florida. He had a keen eye for spotting gators, eagles, hawks, and wild turkeys.

Reid was loved for his tall tales, deep laughs, and fun facts. He was quick to share stories of his youth in North Carolina, swimming in streams, dodging water moccasins, and fox hunts with hound dogs. He enjoyed late nights of Monopoly and competitive games of cribbage with his children. He coached his children's softball, t-ball, and basketball teams, encouraging early weekend practice despite their groans and moans. He was a fan of movies with microwave popcorn, especially Cool Hand Luke and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Reid has family and many friends in Florida, Alabama, and North Carolina that will miss him dearly. His nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews provided him with support, love, and care in his final years. A special thank you to Tracey, Brandon, and Kristin who did so much to help Reid.

Reid is survived by his son, Trey; daughter, Krisandra (Katie); granddaughter, Tilly; and sisters, Donna and Wanda. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay; partner, Esther; and sister, Jennie.

We hope that you can join to celebrate his life. Reid's service will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 9am at Island Cremations and Funeral Service, 405 S. Courtnay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National MS Society or American Heart Association.