Troy Cleveland Bennett, Jr.

Troy Cleveland Bennett, Jr. passed away unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, after a brief battle with a very severe case of the flu. Troy lived in Austin, and recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the end of November. His family and friends are absolutely devastated by this loss. Troy was born Nov. 28, 1943, in Austin, to Troy Bennett, Sr. and Ruth Ell Bennett.

He graduated from McCallum High School in Austin, took classes at Blinn Junior College and was part of the Texas Army National Guard. After high school, he went to work for the State of Texas, where he spent his entire 38-year professional career, ultimately retiring as the clerk for the Court of Criminal Appeals.

After he retired, he had a second career at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elgin, where he worked for over 15 years, managing the day-to-day operations of the church. By all accounts, he was a steady hand that helped guide the church through good times and not so good times, ensuring it met all its obligations. As an example of the type of person he was, during a particularly challenging time for the church, he offered to forego his salary for a period of time to ensure that his co-worker would get paid and that the church would meet its commitments. During his 80th birthday celebration at the church, many of the members, including deacons, co-workers, friends and the pastor, spoke to how grateful they were that he was part of the church and that they knew the church was in good hands as long as he was there. It was both humbling and impressive to hear.

Troy loved watching and talking about sports, particularly the Texas Longhorns, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros. He had weekly text exchanges with his sons that included commentary about the various games.

He loved his family and was extremely proud of his sons and his grandchildren. He rarely missed an event they were part of and loved going to lunch or dinner to visit. He had also built a beautiful life with Martha that included frequent trips, including traveling around the world.

Troy had a strong work ethic, always showed up on time, and was frequently early, never complained and treated people with respect. He was incredibly kind, showed empathy toward others, and more than anything else, he was funny — extremely funny. If you talk to anyone that knew him, that is likely their lasting impression of him. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable, while being completely genuine. It was never forced. As word has gotten out about his passing, the family has received countless notes of condolences and support and in almost every note, people talk about how funny and genuine he was. It is impossible to quantify what he meant to his family and those close to him. The loss is profound, devastating and deep. The world is worse off without Troy in it. His family understands that life goes on as it should, but this loss leaves a gaping hole for his family. The consolation is knowing how blessed and fortunate his family was to get the time they had with him and realizing that he is reunited with his parents and his brother. We love him and miss him terribly.

Troy was preceded in death by his father, Troy Cleveland Bennett, Sr.; his mother, Ruth Ell Bennett; and his brother, Paul Scott Bennett. Troy is survived by the following people who cared deeply about him, Martha Sansom, his partner for the past 10 years and her family, including Kristi Billings (Martha’s daughter), Floyd Billings (Kristi’s husband) and their daughters Lilly and Catherine; Greg Bennett, his son, and Greg’s family, including Susie Capozza (Greg’s wife), Alec Bennett (grandson), Cameron Bennett (grandson) and Arianna Grandi (granddaughter); Chris Bennett, his son, and Chris’s family, including Jessika Rogers (Chris’s fiancé), Kevin Bennett (grandson), Lexy Jaye (granddaughter), Connor Jaye (Lexy’s husband) and Waylon (great-grandson); Vicky Bennett, his sister-in-law, who was married to Paul Scott Bennett (Troy’s brother), who passed away last year; Marisa Bennett Lockhart, his niece, and her family, including Jason Lockhart (Marisa’s husband) and their children, Libby and Bennett; Brett Bennett, his nephew, and Brett’s family, including Ashley Bennett (Brett’s wife), and their children, Rider and River. There are too many other close friends and extended family to mention.

A memorial service was held Friday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elgin. He was buried next to his mother and father at Cook Walden Memorial Park.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.