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In Loving Memory of Gary Knight Sr.

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we remember and honor the life of Gary Knight Sr., age 71, of Easley, South Carolina, whose passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community that knew and loved him.

On January 24, 2026, first responders were called to the railroad tracks near Allen Street in Easley after reports of a pedestrian struck by a train. Gary was found injured and was given immediate medical care by Pickens County EMS, the Easley Fire Department, and the Easley Police Department. He was then transported to Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to treat his injuries. Sadly, on January 27, 2026, Gary succumbed to complications from multiple blunt force injuries. His passing was confirmed by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, and the incident remains under investigation.

Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Gary Knight Sr. was much more than a headline or a statistic—he was a man who lived, loved, and left a lasting imprint on those around him.

Gary was known for his quiet strength, kind heart, and steady presence. He was the kind of man who believed in showing up for people, whether it was through a simple conversation, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement when someone needed it most. To his family, he was a pillar—someone who carried wisdom earned through decades of experience and who offered guidance with patience and understanding. To his friends, he was dependable and sincere, someone who could be trusted and counted on without hesitation.

Throughout his life, Gary witnessed a world that changed rapidly, yet he remained grounded in values that never fade: respect, integrity, and compassion. He carried stories from earlier years—memories of simpler times, hard work, laughter, and the bonds that shaped him into the man people came to admire. Those stories, shared over conversations and quiet moments, will now live on in the memories of those who heard them.

Gary’s life was filled with ordinary moments that, in truth, were extraordinary—moments of connection, moments of kindness, moments of quiet reflection. These are the moments that define a person, and these are the moments that will be remembered most. Though his journey ended in a tragic and unexpected way, his life was rich with meaning, and his presence will continue to be felt by those who loved him.

The loss of Gary Knight Sr. serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is to cherish every day, every conversation, and every embrace. As his family and community mourn, they also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of love, resilience, and humanity.

May Gary rest in peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared, the lessons he taught, and the love that will never fade. His life mattered, his story matters, and he will not be forgotten.

In Loving Memory of Davelle M. Wilder

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we remember and honor the life of Davelle M. Wilder, whose life was tragically taken in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, in Peoria County, Illinois. Davelle’s passing has left a deep and painful void in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, and the community that knew him. His death is not just a statistic or a line in a police report—it is the loss of a son, a brother, a friend, and a human being whose life mattered deeply.

In the early morning hours, Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on the 3400 block of Harmon Highway following reports of gunshot wounds. When deputies arrived, they found an adult female with a gunshot wound to her leg, who was treated and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. They also found Davelle, an adult male with at least one gunshot wound. Despite efforts to save him, he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities believe the suspects fled the scene before deputies arrived, and while the investigation remains active, no suspects are currently in custody. Investigators have indicated that the incident appears to be isolated, but for those who loved Davelle, the pain and loss are immeasurable.

Davelle M. Wilder was more than the circumstances of his death. He was a person with dreams, memories, laughter, and a story that continues through the people who knew him. To his family, he was a beloved son whose presence brought warmth and pride. To his friends, he was someone who could bring light into a room, someone who shared moments of joy, conversation, and companionship. Every life leaves a mark, and Davelle’s mark is carried in the memories, stories, and love that will never fade.

His life, though cut short, had meaning. It had purpose. It had connections that will endure long after this tragedy. The pain of losing Davelle is felt not only by his family but also by the broader community, which mourns yet another life taken too soon by violence. His passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and change within our communities.

As we remember Davelle, we honor not the tragedy of his death, but the humanity of his life. We remember his voice, his presence, his laughter, and the moments he shared with those around him. We hold space for grief, for anger, for unanswered questions, and for the hope that justice and peace will one day prevail.

To Davelle’s family and loved ones: may you find strength in the memories you shared, comfort in the love that surrounds you, and peace in knowing that Davelle will not be forgotten. His name will continue to be spoken, his story will continue to be told, and his life will continue to matter.

Rest in peace, Davelle M. Wilder.

You were loved. You are remembered. And you will always be missed.