About Mayor Billy Knight Sr.

Mayor Billy Knight Sr. is a lifelong community leader and dedicated public servant. He was elected Mayor of Moss Point in 2021 after previously running in 1997 and again in 2017. His passion for service spans education, healthcare, economic development, faith-based initiatives, and public office — all driven by a consistent desire to uplift the people of Moss Point.

A proud graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, Mayor Knight has been honored for his excellence both on and off the field. He is a three-time Hall of Fame inductee:

• Mississippi Valley State University Football Hall of Fame (1980)

• Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Hall of Fame (1997)

• MVSU National Alumni Association Hall of Fame (2004)

Over the years, he has held numerous positions of civic and organizational leadership, including:

• President of the Gulf Coast Health Care Foundation, supporting hospice and indigent care patients

• President and Vice President of the Moss Point School District Board of Trustees

• President of the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Pastoral Council

• Project Manager for the construction of the Rev. Charles E. McMahon Family Life Center and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, both in Pascagoula, MS

• President of the MVSU Jackson County Alumni Chapter for more than 25 years

Although he formally retired in 2013, Mayor Knight has never stepped away from service. His return to elected office in 2021 reflected his continued calling to help guide Moss Point forward — especially during a time of recovery and rebuilding. Under his leadership, the city has seen renewed focus on economic revitalization, disaster response, youth engagement, and long-term infrastructure investments.

Mayor Knight is married to Lois Knight, principal of South and Lake Elementary Schools in Pascagoula. They have one son, Billy Knight Jr.; two granddaughters, Precious and De’ja; and two great-granddaughters, Kayla and Kiersten.