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.
8 Comments To "John Paul Troy V"
#1 Comment By Susan Putnam Bagby On April 26, 2012 @ 4:25 pm
Hilda, John, Joel, and Katie: I am so deeply saddened by John’s passing. He was such a special man to me for so many years. I never saw him when he wasn’t smiling and ready to talk for a while. I will miss him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan
#2 Comment By Freda Kinser Blair On April 26, 2012 @ 4:37 pm
Dear Troy family,
Our love and prayers are with you during this time. We were truly blessed to have known John. Please accept the sincere sympathy of the entire Kinser family.
Freda
#3 Comment By Christi Howell On April 26, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I would like to thank your family for sharing “Santa” with our community every year. I have many memories of my children with him. Bless you all.
#4 Comment By Kent Galyon On April 27, 2012 @ 1:22 pm
John we will all miss you… you have been one of God’s good servants! 0:-) This Christmas will just not be the same. All our Prayers go out to the whole family. Just let me know if there is anything I can do…okay!
God bless,
Kent
#5 Comment By Jim Anderson family On April 27, 2012 @ 1:42 pm
Hilda & family
You all have our deepest sympathy. John was very special, the first to make a big impression on our kids after we moved here 18 years ago. Our youngest was 5 and he really helped him adjust to the move. We thought a lot of him and he was most special to us.
With sympathy,
Jim, Kathy, Melissa, J.C. & Tommy Anderson
#6 Comment By Dave Doyle On April 27, 2012 @ 2:55 pm
Not many people leave their mark on a community as indelibly as did Mr. John. It is a distinct honor for me to have been considered his friend.
#7 Comment By Middle TN Pharmacy Services On April 29, 2012 @ 5:14 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
#8 Comment By Christi Thompson On May 1, 2012 @ 1:24 pm
Always a delight to see Mr Troy, my deepest symathies to the family.