Troy Minnick Jr

With his family by his side, Troy Minnick, Jr., passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 84 years. Troy was born at home on the family farm to Troy Minnick, Sr., and Roxie (Green) Minnick on June 21, 1940. He grew up there with his sisters Ruth, Sharon and Betty Jo.

Country living meant receiving your education in a one room schoolhouse. Troy attended Oriental Country School until the 7th grade. He then transferred to Okemah Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1958. Troy would often reminisce of his time at OHS. He played football, was active in FFA and, of course, anything to do with music. He and several friends formed a band and played at local events where Troy would sing and play the guitar. Music would prove to be a lifelong passion.

Troy enlisted with the United States Army National Guard of Oklahoma on March 30, 1957, during his Junior year at OHS. He served his country for an 8 year period as a Sgt. E5 in the Infantry Division. Troy earned Decorations/Citations of: Marksman Rifle Cal. 30 M1, Sharpshooter Carbine Cal. 30 M1, and Sharpshooter Pistol 45. He was Honorably Discharged on December 30, 1964.

After graduation, Troy worked on the family farm for a period and then moved to Indiana where he lived with family. He worked in their plumbing business to learn the trade. Troy enjoyed being in Indiana, but he knew a part of him was missing because the love of his life was back in Oklahoma. Troy decided to make a phone call asking her “if I come back to Oklahoma, will you date me” to which she happily replied “yes.”

After dating for 3 months, Troy and Joyce were married on January 5, 1963, at her parent’s home in Okemah. This union remained true for nearly 60 years until her death in 2022. They shared a love of square dancing and traveled around the state to various venues. Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa was one of their favorite places with live performances by some of their best-loved artists. Their first home was in town, but Troy loved the country lifestyle. They established their family home out at Last Chance Baptist Church being just ¼ mile from where Troy grew up. They became parents to Michael in 1968 and Melissa (Missy) in 1970.

For a period, Troy worked as a Roustabout for Mustang Fuel. He had an uncanny ability to quickly shimmy up an oil derrick frame like a raccoon. This is how he earned the nickname Coonie which stayed with him throughout his lifetime. His true career began when he started work at Ball Glass Plant in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Lifelong friendships were formed during his 35 year career. The plant utilized weekly changing shifts so for 35 years he would be days one week and evenings the next week and so on. He very seldom missed anything that his children were a part of, and he especially loved Friday night football. As recently as football season 2023, you would find him at Pecan Field on Friday night cheering on the Panthers. Troy also closely followed the OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys football teams. Win or lose, Troy was a diehard fan and never lost faith in his teams.

Troy retired from the Ball Glass Plant in 1992, and he and Joyce moved to town on Cherry Street. You could find Troy most mornings at Sooner Drug or the donut shop with dear friends drinking coffee, discussing life and swapping stories. He also worked part time at Pam’s Flower Shop delivering freight, flowers or whatever else was needed. Troy was active in the Okemah Alumni Association and looked forward every year to Pioneer Day events. He enjoyed being reunited with old friends and making new ones.

The Lord blessed Troy with a beautiful singing voice, as well as a talent for playing the guitar, and he shared these talents at every opportunity. He led the singing at various churches during his life, such as Calvary Baptist and Skyview Baptist in Okemah. Troy sang for multiple events in and around Okemah throughout his life. If there was a chance to “pick and grin” with others, he was there. He had so many stories involving music such as getting Loretta Lynn’s autograph on the back of his driver’s license to getting to spend an hour with Ernest Tubb on his tour bus talking shop. He enjoyed Southern Gospel and Western Swing whether he was the one playing it or having an opportunity to sit and listen to others. Troy especially enjoyed going to Branson to hear The Malpass Brothers but also relished the musical varieties of Okemah’s Woodyfest artists. Troy lived a full life, was loved by so many and will be missed beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joyce Minnick Alumni Scholarship fund via the Okemah Alumni Association.

Troy is survived by his son Michael Minnick, Norman; daughter Missy (David) Fruits of Tonkawa; and sister, Betty (Steve) Standley of Okemah.

Nine grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Adams, Okemah; Jacob Minnick, Okemah; Briana (Arley) Lee, Okemah; Kelsey (Jacob) McMillen, Oklahoma City; Shyla Thomas, Shawnee; Zachary (Taylor) Fruits, College Station, TX; Micha (Jacob) Baker, Okemah; Sadie Walker, Okemah; Bella Walker, Okemah.

Eight Great-Grandchildren: Kiley Adams, Okemah; Piper Smithee, Okemah; Jenley Smithee, Okemah; Rory Lee, Okemah; Bo Doughty, Okemah; Ruthie Adams, Okemah; Dooley Baker, Okemah; Dallas Baker, Okemah; along with precious nieces, nephews, and dear cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Ellen Oliver Minnick; sister Ruth Ann Minnick McVey; sister Sharon Minnick Fitschen; and his parents, Troy and Roxie Minnick.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 17th , 2024, at Skyview Baptist Church at 2pm. Services are under the direction of Community Care Funeral Service.