Celebrating the Life of
Ernest Leo Knox III
September 8, 1970 — March 27, 2026
Obituary
Ernest Knox III was born on September 8, 1970, to Donna Knox and Ernest Knox II. He passed away on March 27, 2026 due to natural health complications.
Affectionately known by some as “Little Butch,” Ernest carried his father’s name and legacy while forging his own spirit throughout his life.
From a young age, he was deeply curious. He asked questions and sought to understand things for himself. His father encouraged this, instilling in him the importance of learning and acquiring knowledge, a trait that remained with him throughout his life.
Ernest was a man of depth, marked by intelligence, introspection, and quiet complexity. He had a mind of his own and was drawn to ideas that invited deeper understanding and a broader way of seeing life.
He loved poetry and was drawn to words that carried meaning, emotion, and truth. He appreciated expression that made people pause, reflect, and feel something deeper. That same curiosity led to his fascination with ancient Egypt, its symbolism, its history, and the timeless questions it raised about life and legacy.
He loved to read and was always searching for understanding in his own way.
Early in his life, Ernest was rooted in faith, attending Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with his grandmother, Hazel Johnson, and carrying an awareness of God in his heart. His mother, Donna Knox, instilled in him a sense of individuality and inner knowing that stayed with him throughout his life.
Ernest carried a deep pride for his hometown of Oakland and often wore Raiders gear as a reflection of the city he loved.
In his earlier years, Ernest was strong, both physically and mentally. He enjoyed working out, cared about his health, and carried himself with confidence and presence. And if you knew Ernest, you knew about his eyes. They were striking and unforgettable, sometimes gray, sometimes green, almost like a mood ring. You never quite knew what you were going to get, but they always left an impression.
Around others, Ernest had a light, approachable nature and brought a sense of ease into any space. He had a way of naturally drawing people in. He was known to many as a bit of a ladies’ man, effortlessly charming, and he knew it too.
Ernest’s life reflected real resilience. After surviving a gunshot injury, he had to relearn how to walk. He did not seek pity, but remained determined to keep moving forward and live life on his own terms. That sense of independence stayed with him, even as he faced additional physical challenges later in life.
Ernest’s journey was not without hardship. He faced struggles with incarceration and addiction that shaped parts of his life and created distance at times. Yet even within those experiences, he continued seeking his way forward.
He later earned his CDL license and worked in transportation for several years, taking steps toward rebuilding his life with intention and effort. Even during periods of incarceration, he continued to pursue education through community college courses, reflecting his ongoing desire to learn and grow.
In honoring his life, we hold compassion for those walking similar paths. A person’s struggles do not define their worth, and there is always room for growth, healing, and a new beginning.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donna Knox and Ernest Knox II, and his brother, James Knox I.
He is survived by his daughter, A-Nisha Knox, his only child; his sister, Dana Coleman-Dimmer; his nieces, Chanel Dimmer and Ja’Mesha Knox; his nephews, Charles Dimmer and James Knox II; and a host of extended family and friends.
Ernest Knox III will be remembered as a man of depth, curiosity, and presence. He carried both strength and sensitivity, intellect and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him. His life reflected resilience, individuality, and a spirit that continued to seek, grow, and endure.
His presence will be missed, and his life will always be remembered.
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Services
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Pacific Time
Continental Funeral Home, 5500 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605
Memories and Condolences
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A loving photo of Ernest with his grandmother, Mama Hazel, and his little brother, James.
Ernest’s CDL graduation
Ernest with his cousins Ed and Jamela.
Ernest as a child
Ernest with his father, Ernest Knox II, his mother, Donna Knox, and his little brother, James Knox I.
Ernest with his daughter, A-Nisha Knox.
Ernest with his Aunt Pat.
Ernest with his daughter, A-Nisha, and his cousin, Jamela.
Ernest with his mother and little brother.
Ernest as a child.
Ernest with his daughter, A-Nisha, cousin, Rhonda, and uncle, Lenny.
Ernest in the 90’s with his daughter, A-Nisha.
Ernest as a young man.
Ernest with his daughter, A-Nisha, and his aunt, Billie.
Ernest with his aunt, Frances, and cousin, Malika.
Ernest as a young child.
Ernest with his nephew, James, and niece, Ja’Mesha.
Ernest with his grandmother, Mama Hazel, cousin, Clarence, cousin, Ed, and brother, James.
Ernest near his final days.
Ernest with his niece, Ja’Mesha, nephew, James, daughter, A-Nisha, and uncle, Don.
A man of deep introspection and undeniable presence.
Family pic w Niece Ja’Mesha Knox , Nephew James Knox Jr, and Sis-n-Law Ursala Morris
Ernest as a child with his aunt Lolita, cousins Melvyn and Marty, and other cousins.
Ernest with his cousins Ed and Malaika, his daughter A-Nisha, and his little cousins Markel and Mandi.
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