Raymond “Ray” Darwin Troy, 68

Raymond “Ray” Darwin Troy, 68, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully, May 4th, 2026, in Fargo, ND, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Ray was born on September 25, 1957, in Anoka, Minnesota to Darwin Melvin and Lorraine Doris (Hagen) Troy. He grew up in Northome, MN, and later attended ATI in Thief River Falls for construction.

Ray was a man who was always on the move. He started his career at Hartz Trucking, beginning in the wash bay before earning his CDL and driving semi-trucks for several years. While trucking, he also kept busy with side construction contracts. For 27 ½ years, Ray was a fixture of the community as the manager of the VFW in Thief River Falls. Even after retirement, he couldn’t sit still, driving dirt trucks and working at the “59” Gas Station just to stay active and see familiar faces.

To know Ray was to have a friend. His true legacy was his love for people; he possessed a rare “gift of gab” and could tell stories for hours. It wasn’t unusual for Ray to drive miles out of his way just to knock on a door and say hello. To Ray, worldly possessions meant nothing. Quality time was the only currency that mattered to him.

A “wild and adventurous” young man by his own yearbook’s account, Ray never lost his spark. He loved his “Baby Blue” truck, camping, fishing, and a good caffeine beverage. He was a lifelong fan of Westerns and Johnny Cash, and most people in town had the pleasure of hearing him belt out a karaoke rendition of “Ring of Fire.”

Though he “tried his hand at marriage a few times and failed,” his resilience and ability to start over were a testament to his positive spirit. He was a sensitive soul, never afraid to shed a tear or share a kind word, and he considered himself truly blessed by family and the friends he made along the way.

Raymond is survived by his son, Robb (Jeanie) Troy of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; his daughter, Sarah (Jeremy) Hughes of Fargo, North Dakota; his stepson, Shannon (Dawn) Willett of Iowa; and his special friend, Candace Ness of Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

He was a proud grandfather to Damian, Devon, Rylee, Brooklyn, Lincoln (Hattie), Holden, and Grayson; and a great-grandfather to Wryker.

He is further survived by his siblings: Geri Walker, James Troy Sr., Sharon Olson, and Susan Jankowsky.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Lorraine Troy; his nephew, James L. Troy Jr.; his brother-in-law, Brian Olson; and his grandparents, James Lowell and Avis Troy, and Arthur and Hattie Hagen.

He also leaves behind his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and countless others who looked to him as a father figure and friend.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating. A Luncheon will be held at the VFW Club in Thief River Falls following the service.

Visitation will be held Friday May 15, 2026 starting at 5:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Johnson Funeral Service and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Raymond’s memory will live on through his family and all who knew and loved him.