Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Rev. Leon L. Troy Sr., 1926-2023
Body
WHEREAS, Rev. Leon L. Troy Sr. was born on March 23, 1926 in Cleveland, OH and raised in Toledo, Ohio and served as a pastor in Oxford, Warren and Sandusky, Ohio, churches before coming to Columbus in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy, affectionately known as “Papa Troy” was known for his many contributions to both the religious and civic sectors including his service as a civic leader, a pastor, a WWII veteran and speaking truth to power; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy was pastor emeritus of Second Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist church in Columbus. He became the church’s pastor in the mid-1970s, serving there for approximately 20 years as senior pastor before retiring; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy was actively involved in the community serving as special assistant on community affairs to Mayor Dana G. Rinehart. He also served as the first Black fire chaplain for the City of Columbus and received the Governor’s Award in 1974 for Community Actions from former Ohio Gov. John L. Gilligan; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy was passionate about education and instituted educational programs or initiatives in each city where he served. He was appointed to the Columbus Board of Education in 1996 and was dedicated to serving his community and uplifting those most in need while striving to provide them with opportunities for a bright future; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy served on many local boards and commissions and was honored many times by varied public officials and organizations, including him and his wife Berniece being both inducted into the Franklin County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2007. Rev. Troy was also inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame in 2021 and the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Troy was loved by many people and he is survived by his four sons: Leon Jr., Keith, Eric, and Adam, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one of his sons, Jay Scott, and his wife, Berniece; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Rev. Leon Troy Sr., and extend our deepest condolences to his family on the occasion of his passing on Sunday, July 30th, 2023.