Errol Kenneth Cox, SR

Sunrise: March 31,1943 -- Sunset: September 14, 2025

It is with great sorrow we must announce that Errol Kenneth Cox (Sr.) left this earth peacefully early Sunday morning September 14, 2025, in his home in Tijeras, New Mexico.

Errol, born on March 31, 1943, in Washington, D.C., was the fifth of seven children born to Doy (Roosevelt) and Irene Irby Cox. In order, they were Clara, Ruby, Margaret, John, Errol, Joyce, and Brenda. Errol was the last survivor having been predeceased by all of his siblings. After Margaret was born, the family migrated north to Washington D.C. (from Grey Court South Carolina) where they spent most of their growing up years in the Kenilworth/Parkside area, until 1961, when Errol graduated from Spingarn High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served until he retired in February 1983.

During his Air Force career, Errol was stationed in various locations around the world. His first Air Force job was as a Security Police officer. He often told the story of having to guard the space on the Andrews AFB flight line where the bomber WAS, after it had taken off during the Bay of Pigs incident. He served a remote assignment at Shemya AB, Alaska (the last island in the Aleutian chain – with a woman behind every tree and not a tree in sight!). Next, he became a printer and was sent to his Asian assignments: Misawa AB, Japan, and Clark AB in the Philippines. While in Asia he began studying and practicing Shotokan Karate, eventually earning a second-degree black belt in the sport. In 1968 he served an extended temporary duty assignment in Greece in support of operations during the U.S. S. Pueblo Incident—when the intelligence ship the U.S.S. Pueblo and its 83 crew members were captured and held by the North Koreans, an action that once again brought us to the brink of war.

Finally known as “the Chief’s Chief” and “the Manager’s Manager,” he rose through the ranks to reach the top. He retired as a Chief Master Sargeant (E-9). His last positions included: Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional Military Education Center at Bolling AFB, D.C.; a tenure as Senior Enlisted Advisor to and for the Commander and Military District of Washington, Bolling AFB; and as the Senior Chief for the HQ Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AFB, MD. Chief Cox deeply believed in being of service, not just to his

family and his country, but to each and every Airman within his reach. He was dedicated and exacting, demanding the best of everyone and everything.

If there is such a thing as a “natural leader and educator,” Errol Cox was it. His influence extended beyond his official duties as he mentored countless airmen--and their families—in both military and civilian undertakings, and helped shape the standards of excellence within the enlisted corps. His legacy remains a testament to the values of perseverance, professionalism, integrity, service, and excellence.

After retiring from the Air Force, Errol continued serving within the Department of Defense in various roles. He was a Management Analyst (at the Pentagon) for the HQ U.S. Army Director for Information Systems for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (DISC4) , and finally his favorite job as the Secretariat for the U.S. Army Science Board, where he directed the activities of the nation’s leading scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs in the imagineering, development and implementation of future technologies. He retired from federal service in 2000 due to health reasons but never slowed his commitment to learning and teaching. Even after retirement, he remained passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to pursue excellence in their fields.

To put it mildly, Errol believed in education. A lifelong learner, Errol earned multiple degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, University College; a Bachelor of Science in Computer/Information Systems Technology from Park University; a Master of Arts in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University; and a Master of Liberal Studies focusing on Information Systems Security from Eastern Michigan University. Also, he was just one course shy of completing a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems with Golden Gate University. His dedication to education extended into a career as an adjunct professor for George Washington University, Webster University, Park University, Strayer University, and Central New Mexico Community College where he desired to teach pro bono.

He was a Past Master with the Prince Hall Masons, and he was a member of the Sandia Mountain Chapter of Lions Clubs International, where he actively participated in various community service projects aimed at improving the lives of those around him. Additionally, Errol served on the board of Relevancy, Inc., an organization devoted to supporting individuals facing mental health, addiction, and parole challenges, demonstrating his compassionate nature and desire to make a difference in sensitive areas of community health. His involvement in these groups highlighted his belief in service and leadership at every level of life.

Errol’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling, marked by deep connections and meaningful relationships. He married his teenage sweetheart Diana Joseph, and together for eighteen years they raised three children: Dorena (Burns), Cynthia (deceased), and (Errol) Kenneth, Jr. In 1987 he married his beloved Robin Cooper. Unofficially he became stepfather, but officially he became “Dad” to her children: Jennifer, Anthony (Snooky), and Jonathan. He absolutely loved being a dad. There is nothing he loved more than his children.

Errol is survived by his wife, Robin, and their children: Dorena, Kenneth Jr., Jennifer, Anthony (Snooky), and Jonathan. In addition he is survived by his cherished grandchildren: Brandon, Briana and Bryan Burns, Niya Cox, Chelsea, Autumn and TreVaughn Cooper, Cameron, Julian and Asia Cooper, Anthony, Cayden and Kai Cooper; great-grandchildren: Sariah, Christian and Savanah Reynolds, Kylen and Ka’lynn Cooper, with two more currently under production. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In a mark of deep respect and remembrance, Errol K. Cox, Sr. will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a place reserved for heroes and distinguished individuals. His burial there symbolizes the honor and gratitude felt by all who knew him.