WILMINGTON — Morris Edmond “Paul” Knight, a longtime voice and fixture of Wilmington radio, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the age of 69.
Paul got his start in radio at just 14, as an announcer on WHSL-1490 AM. He never cared for “Morris” as an on-air name, so a childhood girlfriend, a devoted Paul McCartney fan, suggested “Paul.” It stuck, on the air and off, for the rest of his life. He joined the ranks of Communication Specialist one of the first tower and mobile service businesses in Wilmington, standing alongside Frank McNeil bringing towers sites and communications to the area. Paul also help design and install the communications network at the former New Hanover Hospital.
He went on to become Vice President and General Manager of Sea-Comm Media, where he led, engineered and designed stations many in the area grew up with: Surf 107.5, 103 WGNI, Double Q 101, Jammin’ 99.9, 98.3 The Penguin, 103.7 The Bone, and The Big Talker on 93.7 and 106.3. He knew the business from every side: behind the microphone, in the engineering room, and in the front office.
He was known throughout the region for lending a hand to small, independently owned stations, building tower sites and technical know-how. He offered guidance and mentorship to those just finding their footing. Thirty-three years ago, he worked alongside longtime colleague Dale Miller to launch Carolina Christian Radio, and continued to keep their stations on the air.
Paul served his city as a sworn auxiliary police officer with the Wilmington Police Department for twenty-one years. He earned his pilot’s license and flew regularly through his thirties and forties, an achievement he was enormously proud of and one he loved talking about. In 2009, he ran for mayor of Wilmington.
He is survived by his wife Terry Pope Knight, the love of his life, sons Jonathan Knight (Lyndsay), Cameron Knight (Samantha Brown), daughters Sophia Knight, Ashley Deans (Joe), Alex Shuggart (Aileen) and 8 beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by mother, Liliana Knight, his brothers Larry G Hobbs (Dale) and Michael Knight (Marcie), his sister Brenda Knight Swartz (Jay) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Timothy John Knight and father George E. Knight and his brother Harry P. Hobbs, Jr.
A graveside service will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, NC on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Peace Baptist Church, 320 Military Cutoff, Wilmington, NC.
Care and services entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403
