William Darold Cox

CLINTON — Retired Sergeant William Darold Cox, 85, of 419 Big Piney Grove Road, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2025, at Sampson Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Roseboro First Baptist Church, 3720 S. Salemburg Hwy., with Rev. Hampton Faircloth and Rev. Dudley Neal officiating. Burial with honors will follow in the Clinton Cemetery.

Born Oct. 22, 1940 in Sampson County, Darold was the son of the late William Ford and Nancy McCullen Cox. Darold was a graduate of Hobbton High School and then later attended Atlantic Christian College of Wilson. He then began his career in law enforcement as a juvenile officer and retired as a sergeant. His devotion to Sampson County Sheriff's Department was from 1974 until his retirement in 2004. Darold was the past president, vice president, secretary on the Board of Governors of the NC Juvenile Officer's Association, where he was recognized as the NC Juvenile Officer of the Year in 1984. He served as chairman of the Sampson County Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Council. He was a member of "Ol Lightin Rods," the NC Retired Law Enforcement Association and a member of NC Retired Peace Officers Association and last but not least a member of Roseboro First Baptist Church.

Darold is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Diana Mclemore Cox; two daughters, Jan Cox Usher, and husband, Michael of Clinton and Kelly Cox Smith, and husband, Keith of Salemburg; six grandchildren, Hailey Usher Bernier, and husband, Dylan; Nicholas Ryan Usher, and wife, Brooke; Andrew Owen Usher; Karah Smith Kaasch, and husband, Kyle; Rebekah Smith Fountain, and husband, Bradey; and Tommy William Smith, and wife, Ashley; four great-grandchildren, Jason, Ashton, Dominic, and Walker; special friend/brother, Famous Raynor, who spent many Sunday dinners while enjoying NASCAR racing together.

In addition to his parents, Darold was preceded in death by four brothers, David, Rudy, George and Perry Cox.

Darold's love for beach music and shagging in the sand was passed down to his girls and grandchildren. His love for NASCAR started a "little" hobby of building and customizing model cars that exceeds 1,000-plus. He will forever be known as a die hard Duke Blue Devil fan where he would often have entertaining conversations with Carolina fans of who was the best.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Royal Hall Funeral Home Chapel and other times at his home, 419 Big Piney Grove Road, Clinton.

Family, pallbearers, pastors and special friends will be wearing a tie from Darold's large collection of ties during the funeral service.

Our family would like to thank 3HC for their care and compassion shown during this difficult time.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Cox family.