Tanner Lee Ballard

Tanner Lee Ballard, 25, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on April 12, 2025. Born on July 16, 1999, Tanner grew up in Sheridan, Indiana, where he graduated high school and later explored college classes with his signature curiosity and drive.
Tanner's true passion was racing. Fast cars, loud engines, and the adrenaline of the track were where he came alive. It wasn't just a hobby-it was a way of life that fueled his spirit and gave him purpose. He also worked as a carpenter alongside his dad, learning the trade with his hands even if his heart was always in the driver's seat.
Tanner is preceded in death by his grandparents Douglas and Johnnie Cox, Bonnie Cox, Dave and Jacqueline Ballard, Sandra and Dave Kinnaman, and his uncle David Ballard.
He is survived by his parents, Troy and Davetta Cox; his partner, Danyelle Vissing; his sister, Courtney Ballard; and his brothers Joey Cox, Troy David Cox, and Brandon Cox. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles: Angela Insko (Sean Insko), Dennis Ballard, Delana Gafner, Dawn House (Chris House), Tonia Harris (Alvin Harris), and Lisa James (Bill James), along with many cousins who loved him deeply.
Tanner was loved by everyone who met him. He was a joy-pure light in human form-and his laughter, energy, and kindness left a mark on every life he touched. He was surrounded by so many people who loved him deeply: family by blood and family by choice. The friendships he built were unshakable, rooted in humor, loyalty, and real connection.
The bond Tanner and Dany shared was something rare. They built a life together filled with laughter, comfort, and real, steady love. They were each other's person in the truest sense-partners in everything, always planning for the future, always showing up for one another. The kind of connection they had doesn't come around often, and it was clear to everyone who saw them that their love ran deep.
Tanner was deeply loving, endlessly caring, and had a sensitive heart that he wore with quiet pride. Goofiness was his natural state-he was always cracking jokes, lightening the mood, and finding a way to make everyone around him laugh. If he wasn't making you laugh, he was probably fast asleep-because sleeping might've been his second greatest love after Dany. He was joy in motion, a soft soul in a loud world, and he will be missed more than words could ever say.
Though his time here was far too short, the impact Tanner made will stretch far beyond his years. His love, his laughter, and his wild, beautiful spirit will live on in all of us. We were lucky to know him, and we will carry him with us-always.
There will be no formal service-just a time to come and go, share stories, and be together in celebration of Tanner's life.
Celebration of Life Saturday, April 26 | 1-4 PM Adams Township Community Building 111 W 296th St, Atlanta, IN 46031 (Ekin, IN) Casual attire. Bring a memory, a hug, or just your heart.
Note: Google Maps is recommended, as Apple Maps may direct you to the wrong location.