Troy Caldwell

Troy Caldwell of Leicester NC went to be with the Lord on Feb 20, 2017 while surrounded by family at the WNC Baptist Home. He was born in Big Pine NC on April 4, 1929. He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Ellie Caldwell. He lived a happy life and was very spontaneous. During the hours of the night at the spry age of 24 he convinced Winnie Fowler to run away with him to Spartanburg SC so they could get married. They were married for 65 years. Their love together continued to grow stronger with each passing year. Troy is survived by his wife Winnie of Leicester; son Donnie Caldwell and wife Cathy of Leicester; daughters, Judy Roberts and husband Roy of Leicester, Sharon Shotwell and husband Jim of Raleigh, and Tracy Simerson and husband Jeff of Mount Pleasant SC; granddaughters, Regina Harper and husband Elmer of Asheville, Bonnie Tronzo and husband Todd of Raleigh NC, and Mallory Phillips and husband Jayse of Raleigh NC; grandsons Connor Caldwell McElroy of Mount Pleasant SC and Riki Symonds of Asheville NC; and great grandchildren Brycen and Ava Harper of Asheville NC, Kayden, Crosby and Grayson Tronzo of Raleigh NC. He retired from the National Forest Service and spent his remaining years growing his garden, sitting on his porch and visiting with his family. He was a master at gardening. You would often catch him outside mowing his lawn- even if it didn't need it. He always had a smile on his face but also had a way of telling you what he thought about any situation. He had a strong love and dedication to Jesus, often offering many life testimonies. He was known to be outspoken and rarely backed down from anything he believed in. He will be remembered for his tender heart that he passed on to his family and for the love he had for his family. He had a vibrant personality and he never met a stranger. He had many unique sayings. The family would like to extend a special thanks to South Fork Church, where he was a member, and to David and Elizabeth Jones. The family would also like to extend sincere appreciation to the WNC Baptist Home for their caring and compassion to both Troy and the family during his transition in life to meet our heavenly father. The family would like to Celebrate Troy's life on Wednesday February 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family will remain at the home of grand-daughter Regina Harper and husband Elmer.