Troy Eugene Simpson

Troy graduated in 1958 from Marion High School in Illinois and later received his Master's Degree in Political Science and Government while serving in the US Navy. He also earned a certification in National Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He was married to Martha Joy Nobles April 19, 1963. Troy joined the United States Navy in 1960 and served for 26 years as a Naval aviator with two tours as Commanding Officer , retiring in 1986 in Germantown, TN. Troy then enjoyed several different careers as a real estate agent, business owner, house inspector, Home Depot Instructor, and the Adult Literacy Coordinator at Southeastern Illinois College. Troy and his wife Joy moved to North Port, FL in 2011, where he could pursue his love for gardening, especially palms and tropical plants. He was a member of the Master Gardener Club and had a passion for working in the soil with his hands and sharing that joy with those around him, including helping middle school students in North Port with the gardening program.

He also was an avid reader and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Troy had a heart of gold and a smile that brought joy to everyone. He was a loving husband, adoring father and Papa, wonderful brother, and a friend to everyone he met. He is survived by his loving wife Joy of 55 years, his three daughters Angela Nimmo, Heather Walton and Dena Brooks (and their respective husbands),and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters Doris Hill and Suzanne Barnett.

Funeral services will be held at Kay-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home with visitation at 11:00 am, services at 12:00pm and burial at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 2:00pm.