He was born on a U.S. Air Force base in Turkey to Robert Francis Long and Betty Elaine (Slifer) Long on September 4, 1961. He was the youngest of three boys.
Troy attended William B. Travis High School and was a captain of the football team. He was active in Boy Scouts attaining the highest honor of Eagle Scout. He worked as a ranch hand in Wyoming the summer prior to enrolling at Baylor University where he walked on to the Baylor football team. Troy finished his academic career at Southwest Texas State University, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, after which he was employed with the Austin Police Department.
In 1989, he moved to Wyoming in order to work for the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigators. Troy returned to Austin in 1992 where he would have an illustrious and highly decorated career with APD. During his career, he advanced to the rank of Sergeant and oversaw the Street Response Unit, working closely with the DEA. After retiring in 2014, he joined his middle son at the Burke Center for Youth helping troubled boys where he became a father figure for children and staff alike.
Troy was a remarkable man who always sought to help others and to do things the right way. He loved the mountains, fishing, and football.
Troy is survived by three sons: Michael, Luke, and Isaac; and two brothers, Jeffry and Derek.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Burke Center for Youth.