Ronald Franklin Cox III

November 2, 1989 – September 9, 2026

Ronald Franklin Cox III, 36, of New Albany, Indiana was taken into the healing arms of his Lord and Savior on the morning of September 9, 2026.

Surrounded by the love of his dearest family and friends, Ronald entered into heavenly rest after a short stay at the Louisville Veterans Administration Hospital.

Ronald—also known as Ron, Ronnie, Little Ronald, Lil Ron, LR, and, most dearly, Daddy to his daughter—was born November 2, 1989, to Ronald Cox Jr. and Beverly Walker Cox, just 41 days after Hurricane Hugo tore through his hometown of Concord, North Carolina.

He grew up on Todd Drive NE, across the street from the Hardee’s and behind Pots of Luck Florist on 29/Church Street. Like the hurricane that came through just before his arrival, Ronald had a way of touching everyone in his path. He moved through life with a force, strength, and personality all his own, leaving an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

From an early age and throughout his life, Ronald was known for his kind heart, humble nature, quick sense of humor, and love of fun. He was grounded and genuine. He loved to go fast, get dirty, and make an adventure out of the ordinary.

Ronald’s life was informed by the discipline and comradery of team sports. His athletic story began at just six years old when he started playing football through the Boys & Girls Club of Concord NC. He loved being a member of a team and his love of sports continued throughout his life.

He was a Beverly Hills Elementary School Bulldog, a Concord Middle School Miner, and a Concord High School Spider. At Concord High School, Ronald lettered in track, football, and wrestling. On the football field, he played center and right guard and helped to bring home the 2006 3A State Championship. He was also a proud and jubilant member of the Concord High School Class of 2008.

In 2009, Ronald answered another call to service when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served from 2009 through 2013 aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) as an Aviation Machinist.

After his military service, Ronald began what would become a more than 10-year career with Duke Energy. He worked his way from journeyman lineman to supervisor, building a career that reflected his strength, determination, problem solving abilities, and commitment to keeping the lights on for his community.

In 2016, Ronald married Caroline Starkey-Sharp, and moved to New Albany, Indiana, beginning a new chapter of his life.

He took home the 3rd place trophy in the 2018 Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games. Later in the same year he would achieve what would become the greatest accomplishment of his life—fatherhood.

In December 2018, Ronald welcomed his daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Cox—his greatest contribution to this world and, without question, the greatest joy of his life. The love he had for his daughter will remain one of the most important parts of his legacy.

Ronald is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Cox; his parents, Ronald and Beverly Cox; his sister and brother-in-law, Brandi (Childers) and Jonathan Beeker; his brother of the heart, Dan Brown; his Aunt Donna and Uncle Keith Wensil, his cousins Brittany Harne, Heather Crayton, and Devin Easley; his Aunt Jodie and Uncle Tony Ledbetter, his cousin Maya Ledbetter, his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mary Ann Walker; his Aunt Crystal and Uncle Mike Bulvin, his cousins Taylor Baker and Kristina Troutman; his Uncle Mike (John) Bain and Aunt Susan Bain, his cousin Brandon Bain; his Uncle Chris Thornhill, his cousin Jess Thornhill; his Aunt Sherry and Uncle Kenny Burris, his cousin Lindsay Arrowood, his cousin Charlotte Campbell, along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Ronald was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jerry and Diane Walker; his paternal grandparents, Ronald Cox Sr. and Jonnie Galyan; his Aunt Lorrie Thornhill; and his Maw Maw Nellie Cox.

Ronald also had a deep love for his animals. He is survived by Louie, his beloved chocolate lab, and Kevin, an orange former street cat with the scars to show it. He was preceded in death by his beloved fur kids, Tucker and Deacon.

Rest easy, Ron. Go fast, get muddy, and thank you for giving us so much of yourself. And when you see Rex, Peanut, Tator, Ozzie, Tucker, Deacon, and Minnie, give them a head scritch for us.

You will always be loved and always be remembered.

Services will be at Young Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2635 Highway 49N, Concord, NC 28025 beginning at 12 noon.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Louisville Veterans Hospital Intensive care unit. Donations in Ronald’s memory are requested in support of Coltrane LIFE Center, American Red Cross, Network of Hope, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements have been entrusted to B&G Mortuary Service. Please share a memory.