Ballard Cox

Ballard Cox passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy of music, joy, faith, and love. Ballard was born on May 30, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

At an early age, Ballard professed his faith and faithfully attended Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church throughout his childhood, where his spiritual foundation was firmly rooted. He graduated from North Central High School, later pursued coursework at Ivy Tech Community College, and proudly served in the United States Air Force. Ballard dedicated 18 years of service as a Team Manager at Arvin Meritor Automotive Inc. He later established a home remodeling and renovation business, Total Fix, from which he retired in 2023.

From a young age, Ballard possessed a deep love for music. He was a gifted musician who played multiple instruments, including the alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and bass clarinet. While in junior high school, he and several friends formed a band called Inner City Soul Band. Throughout junior high, high school, and many years beyond, Ballard formed and performed with various bands at venues throughout the city, sharing his creativity and passion for music, an interest he cherished throughout his life. In addition to music, Ballard enjoyed cars, fishing, and motorcycles. He was a member of the Black Angels Motorcycle Club, where he went by the name “Silver.”

On February 14, 1998, Ballard married Maria, the love of his life. Together, they raised three sons: Branden, DeMarlon, and Ryan.

Ballard was preceded in death by his parents, William Cox Sr. and Jennie Cox-Johnson; four brothers, Dennis Cox, Billy Cox, Richard Bollen, and Anthony Cox (Jackie); two sisters, Yvonne Tyson and Angela Bollen; and his beloved son, Ryan Cox. Ballard will be lovingly remembered for his strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Maria Cox; his sons, Branden Cox, and DeMarlon Williams (Tiffiney); his brother, William Cox Jr. (Vanessa); his sisters, Joanne Shotwell, Deborah Douglas, Linda Cox-Hogan (Brian), and Cherry Malichi (Anthony); his grandchildren, DeMarlon Williams Jr., Ty’onna Williams, and Taraji Williams; Jaliayah Brinkley-Cox, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Ballard Cox’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the faith he carried.