AIKEN, SC - Captain Phillip F. McKnight (USN Retired), passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the age of 78. Captain McKnight was born in Ventura, California on July 3, 1936 to the late Cecil and Helen McKnight. He graduated from Ventura High School and the University of Redlands with a degree in Political Science. Additionally, Phil completed graduate education work at George Washington University. He joined the Navy and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. After completing training, he joined the intelligence branch and attended several air intelligence schools. The Navy afforded him a chance to see the world. During his naval career, he served aboard the USS Oriskany and USS America, lived in London England, Naples Italy, Colorado Springs CO, and Alexandria VA. His final and one of his proudest assignments was to Command the Naval Intelligence Processing System Support Activity during the Navy's early days of computer automation. Following his retirement, he worked as a security consultant for PFM Corporation, a company he formed. He also worked for Dolphin Technology as a consultant. Captain McKnight remained very active after retirement. While living in Alexandria, VA he Chaired the cities Republican Party. Additionally, Phil was a member of the Army Navy Club as well as Board member for the Navy Intelligence Professionals Club and the Naval Art Foundation. Upon moving the Clinton, NY he was a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he served as Warden and also as Treasurer for the Dioceses of Central New York. Upon moving to Aiken SC, Phil remained very active and contributed to the community. Captain McKnight was a member of St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, the Aiken Steeplechase Association, Aiken Polo Club, and the historic Green Boundary Club. Captain McKnight, always a sailor, gave back by volunteering for the Aiken Warrior Project and served as Treasurer for the American Legion Post #26 and our local Military Officer's Association of America chapter. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Barbara L. McKnight; his daughters Lisa McKnight-Ward and Emily Townsend; a son, Tim McKnight; five grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Joe Schuster; a brother-in-law and his wife, Jim and Becky Lorraine; sister-in-law and her husband, Nancy and Ron Frazee, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Captain McKnight was preceded in death by a son, Ron McKnight. Funeral services will be held at 5:30 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at St Thaddeus Episcopal Church. Father Grant Wiseman officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the historic church cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the services in the Stevenson-McClelland Building on the church grounds. The family wishes to thank Tri-County Hospice, especially nurse Ralph Smith, for the love and care they provide to Captain McKnight. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, 125 Pendleton Street, SW, Aiken, SC 29801. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) in charge of arrangements.