Irby McKnight was born on August 24, 1955, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to James Edgar McKnight and Emma Irby McKnight.

Irby graduated from Ross Sterling High School and Nelson University (previously Southwestern Assemblies of God College). He held a Bachelor's in Pastoral Ministry and a Master's degree in Education.

Irby served in full-time ministry for over 27 years, holding roles such as Youth Pastor and School Principal at Northside Assembly of God in Texarkana, and as an Associate Pastor at Christian Life Cathedral in Dallas.

He then pastored Harvest Time Assembly of God in Sherman, TX, from 1991 to 2007. The church experienced substantial growth, and Irby led the purchase and construction of the church's current campus on Highway 1417.

Irby was lovingly married to his wife, Andrea Ellen McKnight, from 1980 to her passing in 2005.

Following his time in Sherman, Irby served as the Director of Planned Giving and then Vice President of University Advancement of Nelson University. There, he raised the funds for numerous projects, including the construction of the Hagee Communication Center.

Irby McKnight is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Andrea McKnight, and his brothers, Thomas McKnight, Manual McKnight, Gene McKnight, Hershel McKnight, Archie McKnight, and his sister, Cora McKnight Byars.

He is survived by his wife Vicki McKnight, children Jordan and wife Mary Jo McKnight, Erin and her husband Nathan Ward, grandsons, Jordan Gross, Canon Ward, Hudson Ward, and another expected to be born soon, by his sister Verna McKnight Fruge, and brothers Jerry McKnight and Earl McKnight, along with countless other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Bible School in Madagascar which he helped found. Donations can be made at the following link:

https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/f7010dc3-6185-413c-91e7-5e14aaae153e