Troy J. Downs

Funeral services for Mr. Troy Jay Downs, 75, of Avinger, Texas, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Avinger. Burial will follow at Avinger Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Troy was born on February 7, 1950, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to Arthur E. Downs and Mildred Faulkner Downs. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Avinger, where he served as a Deacon.

On July 21, 1984, Troy married the love of his life, Susan Dishaw, who was his nurse when they first met. From the very beginning, they were inseparable. When Troy and Susan joined their lives, they also joined their families, creating a full and lively household with a house full of kids. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to one another. Troy deeply loved his wife, and his greatest joy was the life he shared with Susan and their family, a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Troy was employed by AEP, retiring after 32 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served in the National Guard. A farmer and rancher at heart, Troy had cows from the age of eight, famously choosing a calf over a bicycle as a child. He took great pride in his land, his cattle, and the life he worked so hard to build.

A true sportsman, Troy loved hunting, fishing, and sharing stories of his adventures. He enjoyed basketball and football and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He never passed up a good game of poker and was known for his humor, playful teasing, and love of laughter. An excellent cook, he was especially famous for his homemade fudge, fried chicken, and fried fish. Some of Troy’s most treasured moments were spent with his brother and best friend, Boyce; whether they were hunting, fishing, or just passing the time, they enjoyed every minute together. He also shared a special bond with his uncle, Gay Faulkner, who was his lifelong friend and running buddy. They spent countless hours side by side, sharing stories, laughter, and more than a few card games.

Troy was a strong Christian man who truly never met a stranger. He was a natural peacemaker with a warm smile, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and always a hug to give. He was patient, calm, and fair, and he offered grace without hesitation. He was most proud of his family and cherished sharing with them his passions for farming, ranching, hunting, fishing, and caring for his cows. He was a great example of what a loving husband and father should be. Affectionately known as “Grandpa” to many beyond his own family, he was a wonderful and devoted grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren and took great pride in each of them.

Mr. Downs was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur E. and Mildred Faulkner Downs; and his son, T.J. Downs. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mrs. Susan Downs; daughters: Amy Youngblood (Darrell) of Avinger, Sheri Sapp (Jeff) of Avinger, Karen Harrison (Tony) of Hughes Springs, Terri Naron (Justin) of Hughes Springs, Angie Greene of Longview; sons: Rusty Pate of Linden and Aaron Pate of Avinger; 17 grandchildren: Austin Youngblood (Kimberly), Shelby Simmons (Blake), Ashton Youngblood (Kylee), Reannah Lee (Trent), Allie Lambert, Kaylee Pearson, Lyric Sapp, Landon Sapp, Wes Sapp, Carly Harrison, Kenzie Harrison, Kerri Ann Rhodes, Anna Rhodes, Abby Rhodes, Lydia Naron, Lilly Naron, and Bryce New; 4 great-grandchildren: Tobias Lee, Wyatt Lee, Oakley Wade, and Blakely Simmons; uncle, Gay Faulkner (Dorcas); brother, Boyce Downs (Pam); sister, Demeris Jacobs (Doug); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Troy Jay Downs will be remembered for his faith, kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of compassion, joy, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.