Carroll Lee Knight, 91, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at his home in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Born on May 25, 1934, in Marion, Illinois, Carroll was the son of Robert and Dorothy Knight. A proud graduate of York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, Class of 1952, Carroll excelled both academically and athletically, serving as captain of the football and wrestling teams, in addition to being named Athlete of the Year in 1952. He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1956 and was an active member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

After college, Carroll began his career with Mobil Oil Corporation, working for 11 years as a training instructor and sales representative. In 1967, Carroll took a leap of faith and founded a vending machine business, which grew into Knight Enterprises, a petroleum business he would successfully lead as president for over 51 years before retiring in 2018. This enterprise included multiple gas stations and two petroleum terminals in Novi, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio. His drive, competitive spirit, and leadership made him a respected figure in the industry and a valued member of the Oil Men’s Club. From 1957 to 1959, he served his country honorably in the United States Army.

Beyond his business and military achievements, Carroll gave generously of his time and heart. He served faithfully on the board of the Farmington YMCA and was a devoted member of Orchard United Methodist Church for more than five decades. In his later years, he found deep fulfillment in helping those in need, always putting others before himself.

Carroll was a driven and determined businessman, known for his strong personality and sharp wit. Whether he was on the golf course, casting a line on the quiet lake at his summer home in Grayling, playing racquetball, or captivating friends with his favorite karaoke performances—often asking, “What are you going to sing tonight?”—he brought energy and laughter to every gathering. Friends and family will remember his warmth, his competitiveness, his generosity, and the way he made everyone feel at home around his kitchen table, coffee in hand.

Carroll is survived by Darlene Knight; his daughter, Heather (James) Shambarger; his son, Ian Knight; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Knight, Pyper, Cameron, and Race Shambarger; and his sister, Nancy (John) Knight-Cammack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Knight; and his brother, Daniel “Danny” Knight.

Memorial donations may be made in Carroll’s honor to the Farmington Family YMCA, Orchard United Methodist Church, or Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Carroll’s celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., with his service beginning at 10:00.

Following Carroll’s celebration of life, there will be a luncheon at 12:00 at the Baypointe Golf Club, 4001 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, 48323.