Troy Lee Burrus

Troy Lee Burrus
Troy Lee Burrus

Troy Lee Burrus, 87, of Amarillo, TX died Sunday, March 31, 2019. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Paramount Baptist Church with Lance Herrington officiating.  Private burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Troy was born on October 11, 1931 in Canyon, TX to Bradley and Louise Burrus. He was a member of the 1950 Canyon High School state championship team.  He was selected all-state.  He was a two time All-American at West Texas State.  While in college, he served in the National Guard.  After graduating from West Texas State, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics and played for the Phillips 66ers.  Troy had worked as a counselor for over 33 years for the Amarillo ISD.  He was a member of the Gideons, Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame, West Texas A&M Hall of Champions, and a founding member of the Buffalo Club.  He had also served on the board of Faith City Mission, the Amarillo City Park board, past president of the ex-students association at West Texas State, and the West Texas T-Club.  He had served as a deacon at Paramount Baptist Church.

He married Nelda Ruthart on July 9, 1954 in Canyon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Austell Burrus; and a sister, Juanelle Burrus Andrews.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Burrus of Amarillo, TX; a daughter, Kari Freeman and husband Mark of Lone Tree, CO.; a grandson, Benton Freeman and wife Annie of Portland, OR.; a granddaughter, Blythe French and husband Luke of Parker, CO.; great grandchildren, Witten, Koen, Eila, Peyton, and Dane “Troy”; and a nephew that he considered a son, Rodney Ruthart and wife Gina and their children, Kati and Brayden.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and suggests memorials be sent to Faith City Mission.

 

8 Replies to “Troy Lee Burrus”

  1. Seems like here is always a catalyst in families-the person everyone knows that kind of gets family together when some out of town relatives show up. Then when that person passes, the others just seem to all drift apart. I am a cousin of Troy’s. Our mothers were sisters. He & Austell were in high school when I was little. I thought Troy was so wonderful -I would hold up my arms to him & he would pick me up & put me on his shoulders so I could touch the ceiling. Wow! I wish so much now I could have come to Amarillo to see him & Nelda. I always thought Nelda was so tiny & cute! I’ll never forget him, or Austell or Juanelle. They were such wonderful people & I just thought Aunt Louise was the very sweetest person ever. And so was Uncke Bradley. I’ll never forget any of them.

  2. Nelda and family,
    My thoughts and prayers have been for you since last week. Troy was a good, good, man, but most importantly a very good Christian. I really thought a lot of Troy and highly respected him. I wonder if he and Frank are playing golf in Heaven today. I’m jealous. But maybe it won’t be too long before Nelda and I can join them. I love you, Nelda. You are a good friend. May God bless you all and may the void you feel in your hearts today, be filled with only fond memories of him. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

  3. Nelda and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of Troy. I have many fond memories of Troy playing at WT even though I was quite young. Daddy always spoke so highly of Troy and Austell. Those were such fun times.

    Becky Price Kimmins
    daughter of Borden and Jean Price

  4. Dear Nelda and family of TROY, May our good Lord comfort you with his love. during this time of loss. May the special memories of your earthly time with Troy sustain you until you are with him again in your Heavenly Home.
    Prayers of sympathy from a long time Canyon resident and a WT & CHS classmate…Betty Brown Johnson

  5. Sorry to hear about Troy. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family Nelda. Love, Dexter and Vicki McKibben

  6. Dear Nelda and family, Dick and I want to express our condolences on the loss of Troy. We treasure our memories of him and wish you comfort at this time. Nancy and Dick Runnels

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