Funeral services for Mr. John P. Troy V, age 83 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens.

Mr.Troy entered into eternal rest on Wednesday April 25, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Yazoo City, MS on October 28, 1928. He served his country in the US Navy and was a World War II veteran. John moved his family from Memphis, TN to Huntsville, AL in 1960 to work at Redstone Arsenal for Army Missile Command. He retired in 1986. John was a longstanding member of St Anthony Catholic Church. Most people remember him as Santa Claus. He began dressing up as Santa for the church in 1982 and it only grew from there. He was a prominent figure in the community from October- December, visiting schools, daycares, nursing homes, local businesses and even individual homes on Christmas Eve, with all proceeds going to his church.

John was preceded in death by his parents John Paul Troy IV and Josephine Allen Troy, as well as two brothers, Clifford Allen, and Joel James Troy. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Hilda S Troy; his children John P Troy VI, of Fayetteville, Joel Troy (Dawn) of Johnson City, TN, Katie (Bob) Tucker of Huntsville, AL; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

The Troy family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Lincoln Medical Home Health and Hospice of Fayetteville for the care and comfort extended to their loved one during his final days at home.

Visitation with the family will be Friday evening 5-8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Fayetteville Animal Shelter.