Community members remembering Jefferson County Deputy Richard M. Knox III after his passing

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Community members in Jefferson County are remembering a longtime deputy who passed earlier this month.

Deputy Sheriff Richard M. Knox III is being remembered for his purpose and passion.

“We have an opportunity to make change in a positive way. He did that,” Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods said.

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Woods said Knox was a mentor to him and many others, teaching him valuable lessons he’ll never forget.

“Making sure that we understand that the badge belongs to the people that we serve,” Woods said.

The sheriff said Knox taught him the importance of integrity and morality while servicing others.

“Treat people how I want to be treated, it’s always a time to de-escalate, cooler heads always prevail,” Woods said.

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From the U.S. Air Force to the Pine Bluff Police Department and the County Circuit Court, Knox made his mark. People said they all share one common memory.

“He had an Army story for you, he could have never met you before, but when you left you knew something about him,” Jefferson County Clerk of Court and Deputy Treasurer Kewonna Taylor said.

People in Pine Bluff poured out their love for Knox on Facebook. Taylor said he treated everyone the same.

“He was going talk to anybody that would listen. Everybody was like a friend to him,” Taylor said.

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And because of that, he was loved and now always remembered.

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