Troy James Strother Sr.

Celebration of life: 10 a.m. Friday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in Everman Cemetery in Everman. Viewing: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

TJ was born Jan. 2, 1930, in Oakdale, La., and was married to Geraldine Strother from July 18, 1951, until her passing. The union yielded three generations of family. Troy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army prior to becoming a general paint contractor in the Metroplex for 30-plus years.

TJ was a committed husband of 58 years losing his wife 23 months prior to his death. With health issues that forbade him to live at home, he had many long-term caregivers over two years, who genuinely grew to love and respect him. They shared with us often how unique his relationship and love for his family was. They shared that, in the face of long-term illness, he refused to give up driven by love and dedication to his family. Many said he was the reason they looked forward to coming to work each day.

He loved his family passionately and was steadfast and unwavering in his commitment to caring for and loving his entire family, putting his own discomfort and failing health aside, to continue to fulfill his role and responsibility as a father and papa, until the moment he died. He spent the last two years of his life living for the times when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were at his bedside to share stories and spend time with him. His family was unconditionally faithful to be there.

TJ will long be remembered by everyone who knew him as the man who never met a stranger, with the big personality, the big smile and the big heart. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors: His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.