Troy C. Williams

Troy C. Williams, lifelong Cleveland area resident, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at the Cleveland Area Hospital at the age of eighty-three years, nine months and fourteen days.

Troy was born in Salina, Oklahoma on September 28, 1921, the son of Elmer Thomas and Nancy Ellen Williams. He moved at early age with his family to the Dixie area, south of Cleveland. Troy was raised in the Dixie area and attended school there.

Upon completion of his education, Troy worked for a time at the Johnson Oil and Refinery in Cleveland, which served to motivate him toward a career in pipefitting. He was inducted into the service of his country on November 17, 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Troy served as a Private First Class in the United States Army during World War II He was assigned as a heavy machine gunner in the 87th Mountain Infantry during his time overseas. During the first two weeks of April 1945, his battalion planned and prepared for their part in the final spring offensive of the Fifth Army in Italy. The intent was to break through the northern Apennines, drive the Germans out of the mountains, and secure the wide PO Valley. The battalion fought continuously from 4 April to 2 May over mountainous terrain covering 140 miles. Troy learned of the surrender off all German forces at suppertime on May 2, 1945. From May until August 1945 when Troy returned to the United States, his battalion conducted occupation duties. He was honorably discharge from military service on September 21, 1945. During his military service he was awarded the following decorations and citations: European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and four Bronze Service Stars.

Troy returned to Cleveland after the war and shortly thereafter began a career in the field of pipefitting. In 1948, Troy became a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Local No. 430. During his career working through Local 430, Troy worked on projects all over the country. He assisted in the construction of numerous power plants including the Oolagah Power Plant, Eastland Mall, Williams Center, Saint Francis, St. Johns and Hillcrest Hospitals in the Tulsa area. Although Troy retired in 1985, he remained a member of Local 430 and was awarded and recognized for fifty-five years of membership in appreciation of his long-term contribution to the ideals and objectives of the United Association on November 24, 2003.

Troy was married to Oleta Condray on November 7, 1960 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The couple have maintained their home in Cleveland throughout their marriage. Troy was a longtime and faithful member of the Western Heights Baptist Church. Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War. He has a passion for gardening and continued to garden until for health reasons was not able to continue. He was an excellent mechanic and enjoyed repairing and maintaining his vehicles and those of his family. He always stayed busy and loved working with his hands which included carpentry projects. He remodeled his home, mostly by himself. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Oleta of nearly forty-five years, children, Kathy Williams McEntire of Blackburn, Oklahoma, Robin Leonard of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Gail Frank, of Omro, Wisconsin, Robert Condray of Cleveland, Oklahoma and Stephen Condray of Tulsa, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; one great great-grandson; and a sister-in-law, Eethel Williams of Cleveland, Oklahoma. Troy was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, John P. Williams; four half-brothers, Sherman, Hub, Clint and Bert Casey; and a half-sister, Nellie Marie Shapnack.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 15, 2005 at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will be at the Dixie-Bear Creek Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Western Heights Baptist Church Youth, 200 North Gilbert, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Troy C. Williams at www.chapman-black.com.