In loving memory of

Troy Eugene Simpson
January 16, 1942 - May 10, 2018

Troy Eugene Simpson, 76, of North Port, FL passed away May 10, 2018. He was born in Marion, Illinois on January 16th, 1942.

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.

Tributes

SYLVIA CLARK wrote on May 16, 2018:

"Angie and family, Thinking of you during this difficult time and sending prayers and love. Sylvia Clark"

Anni Ellis wrote on May 14, 2018:

"He was a lovely man. His face was always a shiny light when he spoke with you. Fully engaged in whatever the topic was. We shared a love of gardening and always had mutual updates on plants we had. I will miss our talks. He will be missed deeply by many.??"

Nancy Fisher wrote on May 14, 2018:

"What a wonderful photo of a wonderful and kind man. Troy was a joyous, giving individual, and will be sorely missed by his wife, family, grandchildren and all who were lucky to be his friend. "

Susan Joyce wrote on May 14, 2018:

"I am so sorry for your loss. I met Troy during the Master Gardener class on 2014 and we did many plant clinics together at the library. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed. Susan Joyce "

Michelle Miller wrote on May 13, 2018:

"To the entire family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sorrow felt over the loss of a cherished man who was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. May happy and special memories of your time together help heal your aching hearts. Hugs to you all. Michelle & Eric"

Jennifer finton wrote on May 12, 2018:

"What a great man who was there to always help people you will be truly missed prayers to the family rip"

Jennifer finton wrote on May 12, 2018:

"What a great man who was always there to help others you will be missed prayers to the family rip"

Tara wrote on May 12, 2018:

"I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. You have my condolences."