Joseph Troy Rich

Joseph Troy Rich, age 88, was born on January 27, 1927, and passed away on Friday, October 23, 2015. He was the only child born to Joseph Edward and Bessie Walley Rich in Richton, MS.
Troy received a deferment so he could graduate from Sand Hill High School. He was inducted into the US Army and was sent to the Asiatic Pacific Theater six weeks after boot camp. While on the ship, the war ended, and he was diverted to Japan where he participated in the WWII Occupation of Japan and finished his tour of duty. He worked in the motor pool and learned to drive and take care of the trucks.
Mr. Rich worked for West Brothers Motor Freight and retired from Roadway Express, Inc. He was also a member of Teamsters #911. After retirement, Troy and LeDoris enjoyed camping in their RV and traveling to the Western United States and the Canadian Rockies. Everywhere they visited they met people who lived on or visited the Coast. He was a member of Brewer Baptist Church in Richton, MS.
Troy was a life member of VFW Post #2539. He was past Commander and lifetime member of the America Legion, Joe Graham Post #119, and Gulfport Elks lodge #978. He was also a life member of the Krewe of Gemini and was crowned King of Gemini in 1976.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great granddaughter.
Troy is survived by his wife of 66 years, LeDoris Rich; and four children, Troy Wayne (Lisa) Rich, Kathryn (Tommy) Mitchell, both of Gulfport, Kimbel C. (Jennifer) Rich, of Biloxi, and Lee Ann (Jeff) Mitchell, of Long Beach. He was Papa T to eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
There will be a visitation on Sunday, October 25, 2015, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a memorial service at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.
Troy donated his body to The Ultimate Gift Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Interment will be in Frisco Cemetery in Richton, MS, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Nurses Scholarship Fund at the 40 & 8 Voiture #251 or the American Legion Auxiliary Nurses Scholarship Fund, both at the American Legion Post 119, 12320 Ashley Dr. N., Suite A, Gulfport, MS 39503.