With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Merril Irvin McKnight, 46 of Salters, SC, who passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Life Reflections

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Merril Irvin McKnight, son of the late Edward McKnight and Ruby Bell Gamble McKnight, was born in Florence, South Carolina, on June 25, 1979. He peacefully transitioned on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Merril joined Saint Mary African Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age, where his parents and grandmother, Geraldine were Faithful members. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior on July 27, 1992.

Merril attended C.E. Murray High School, where he excelled in football playing on the Varsity team, graduating in 1997. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Claflin University in 2002. Merril was initiated into the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the Fall of 1998.

Pursuing his passion for the performing arts, Merril attended acting school in New York. He also wrote and produced his own theatrical productions. Returning home, he taught English at Kingstree Senior High School.

Merril never gave up his passion for acting appearing in the movies "Below the Rim", "Wish", "Camp Agony", and "The Unbreakable Marriage".  He also appeared in the television series "P-Valley' and "ATL Homicide." Merril was also entrepreneur, founding Freedom Bail Bonding, where he worked with his father, operating it with dedication until his passing.

He was preceded in death by: his father Edward; grandparents, Cezar H. & Geraldine McKnight and Margrete Gamble.

Merril leaves to cherish his memory: his loving mother, Ruby Bell Gamble McKnight; his children, Damari McKnight, Logan McKnight, and Mackenzie McKnight; his brother, Cezar E. McKnight, Esq.; six aunts, Mary (Ralph) O'Neal, Billy Bell Gamble, Rosetta (Merril) Gamble, Sarah (Gadsden) Mouzon, Mattie (Lewis) Keels, and Virginia (Kenneth) Shaw; cousins, Nicole (Jason) O'Neal Acevedo, Rosalind (Vinshinsky) Chapman, Terrell Gamble, Brigida O'Neal, Camilla O'Neal, Dana Gamble, Ralph K. (Amber) O'Neal Jr., Carlos (Donyette) Gamble, and Carlton Gamble; and a host of relatives and friends.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

The family will receive friends at 705 4th Avenue, Kingstree, SC, beginning Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. daily.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC 843-354-2292.