He was a Military Brat and traveled the world with his family. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam serving from 1969 to 1971. Gary earned numerous military service awards to include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/1960 Device, Expert (M-14 & M-16), Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart (1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge), and a Good Conduct Medal.
Gary received a B.A. (Business Administration and Management, General) at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana graduating among the top of his class and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia.
Gary retired from Synovus Financial Corporation after 43 years of service where he met many lifetime friends.
Gary was known for his compassion, humbleness, hard work, quiet generosity and his deep devotion to his family. He enjoyed hunting, playing golf, traveling, spoiling & watching his grandson’s little league baseball games and golf tournaments. He also enjoyed meeting his friends at the retirees breakfast and meeting family and friends at Barnes and Noble.
After battling a long-term illness, Gary died peacefully on July 11, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents J. King Troyer, Jr. and Lois Marie Miller Troyer.
He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Lori; his brother Ron Troyer (Linda) of Middlebury, Indiana; sister, Pat Zvanya (Steve) of Brigantine, New Jersey; son, J. Troyer (Rian) of Columbus, Georgia; Robert Troyer (Karen) of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Jennifer Crosby (Ashley) of Columbus, Georgia; grandchildren Kason and Greyson Crosby, Hunter and Katie Cummings, Jessie Camp, and Jacob Troyer; great grand-children Emma, Harper, and Tatum Camp, Brielle and Audrey Troyer, Londyn and Lakelyn Branson; as well as several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again".
There will be a visitation for family and friends at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, 31907 in the St. Elmo room from 4 PM to 6 PM. A private family service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025.
