Troy Alan Miller

Troy Alan Miller, of Mexia, passed away on August 16, 2022, in Waco, Texas, at the age of 74.  Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Mexia on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10 AM with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating.  Interment, in addition to Masonic Rites, will follow in the Mexia Cemetery.  Benjie Reed, Gary Cooper, Wesley Pittman, Bobby Jack Liles, Walter Van DeWeghe, and Ray Jones will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Pat Smith, Cyril Farris, and Brothers of the Masonic Springfield Lodge #74.

Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Troy was born January 11, 1948 in Mexia to Gerald R. W. “Jerry” and Lillian Maden Miller.  He lived most of his life in, and for, Mexia.  He was popular during his years in Mexia schools, involved in numerous activities and, after graduation, remained active in planning the Class of ‘66 reunions.  Troy was offered a baseball scholarship in Alpine; instead, he chose to pursue degrees in education, earning an Associates Degree in Science from Navarro Jr. College, a B.S. from Baylor University and a M.Ed from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He dedicated his entire career to the mental health field.

Troy retired from the Mexia State Supported Living Center after 46 years of service in various positions of instruction and supervision, ending his career as Barnett Unit Director.  During these years, he also served his community as a member of the Mexia ISD Board of Directors, Mexia City Council, District 6 (2002-2009), and Mexia City Mayor (2009-2017). Most recently Troy served as chairman of the Limestone County Appraisal District.

Troy’s family taught him the value of faith.  As a youth, Troy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and, as an adult, a member of the First Baptist Church.  He served in various ministries, including Baptist Men and the Chorale, and accepted numerous committee responsibilities.  Troy faithfully participated in the community’s weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast.  He also took pleasure in volunteer work, notably with Habitat for Humanity and Limestone County Master Gardeners. Perhaps his most engaging event happened every Christmas season when he donned his Santa suit to delight children in his community!  

Troy enjoyed his commitment to scouting, beginning as a Cub Scout, then joining Boy Scout Troop 70 as a youth and earning his Eagle Scout Award in 1963.  He continued his engagement in adult scouting programs, achieving recognitions including the coveted Silver Beaver Award in 1982.  Another of Troy’s passions involved his active membership in Springfield Lodge #74 and the Scottish Rite, of which he shared many years serving alongside his dad. As a young man, he also enjoyed participation with the Oglewanagi Indian Dancers and Texas Jaycees. Later on, Troy discovered the thrill of drag racing, spending many Saturdays at Texas Motorplex in Ennis over a 10-year period.  

While Troy embraced life with a servant’s heart, his greatest devotion was to his family.  His quiet strength and trustworthy manner defined him as the Christian leader for his children and grandchildren to learn from by example. Troy would want to be remembered as a man who made a difference for all who shared a love for his hometown of Mexia.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Lillian Miller; son, Troy Alan “Tam” Miller, Jr.; and stepson, Jason Ward.

Troy is survived by his wife, Jan Miller; daughter, Leah and husband, Thomas Miller of Katy: stepson, James and wife, Sara Ward of Mexia; grandchildren, Jacob and Joseph Miller, Dalton Masters, Cameryn and Ryan Ward; sister-in-law Suzanne and brother-in-law, Wayne Freeman of Katy.