This is a possibility, the year of birth is off by one year,but the date and location of birth is the same. Did not find a Neal or Cornelius Knight in the 1900 census, but I am not familiar with NC counties to tell what is near what! And Neal could even be a middle name.
North Carolina, Deaths, 1931-1994
Citing this Record"North Carolina, Deaths, 1931-1994," index, FamilySearch https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FG8C-CJT
Samuel John Knight
Death 12 Nov 1989 Roanoke Rapids, Halifax, North Carolina
burial 05 Dec 1989 Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
cemetery: Cedarwood Cemetery
residence: Roanoke Rapids, Halifax, N.C.
street address: Rt. 2, Box 454C
Male 57 Divorced White
occupation: 1st Sgt., U.S. Army
birth 21 Jul 1932 Jackson, N.C.
father: Samuel John Knight
mother: Mittie Holloman
World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Citing this Record"United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KZDQ-3CM :
Samuel Johnnie Knight
Draft Registration June 5, 1917
event place: Northampton County, NC
Age 23 Male White Married 2 children
birth 22 May 1894 Woodland, NC
North Carolina, Births and Christenings, 1866-1964
Citing this Record "North Carolina, Births and Christenings, 1866-1964," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZRK-YQY
Samuel J. Knight Male
birth date: 22 May 1893 Woodland, NC
father's name: Neal Knight
indexing project (batch) number: C75218-1
