Ethan Pierce Knight

Ethan Knight, 23, of Gray, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026. A funeral service will be held at Hart’s Mortuary, Jones County Chapel, in Gray, Georgia, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM with private burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Macon, Georgia. The family will host visitation at Hart’s Mortuary, Jones County Chapel on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Ethan Pierce Knight was born January 22, 2003, in Macon, Georgia, to Mary Pierce Schmitz and Jason Knight. He graduated high school early, with honors, in 2020 and returned the following year to walk with his class at graduation. He decided to further his education in Milledgeville, at Georgia College and State University. It was here, in college, that he met the love of his life, Jennifer Schaefer. The two were set to be wed later this year, August 1, 2026. He was pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Geography, with a GIS certification, which would be conferred at the conclusion of this semester. For the past year, he interned with Baldwin County to gain experience with and pursue a career in surveying. Ethan always had big plans and even bigger dreams, working tirelessly to complete them. He was accomplishing every goal, personal and professional, that he had set for himself.

Ethan was the epitome of a kind and faithful servant. He had a gift for ministry and never shied away from sharing his faith with humble conviction. Ethan loved the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing. Above all, he loved sharing his passion for adventure with loved ones. He also enjoyed listening to music and would often share songs with those around him. He was a friend to all, and the world is certainly dimmer without him.

He is survived by his father, Jason Knight; his mother and stepfather, Mary and Dave Schmitz; his siblings, Lillian Burchfield (James); Renee Schmitz; Cassidy Goodman (David); and David Schmitz; as well as his fiancé, Jennifer Schaefer. He is also survived by his grandparents, Tony and Barbara Pierce and Deborah Knight; his nieces, Delilah and Maggie Burchfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ethan was loved by and returned that love to so many countless family members and dear friends, who greatly impacted his life.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.