Obituaries » Troy William Deacon

Troy William Deacon

October 10, 1978 - February 11, 2023

Troy William Deacon, 44, of Lynchburg passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, after a long illness. He was the beloved spouse of Ted Delaney for 17 years.

Troy was born on October 10, 1978, in Lynchburg to Walter and Delores Viar Deacon. He graduated from Heritage High School and attended Central Virginia Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University. He began his 25-year banking career as a branch manager for Wachovia and First Citizens Banks in Lynchburg. After working for UBS Financial Services in both Richmond and Lynchburg, he spent 14 years with the investment and insurance division of Bank of the James. Troy loved his customers, and many of his co-workers were lifelong friends.

Troy co-founded Estates & Consignments in Lynchburg in 2013 before leaving it to open High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings & Gifts in 2016, which specialized in estate and tag sales. He and his incredible staff conducted over 40 sales across Central Virginia in five years. Troy had effortless, exquisite taste and a knack for finding hidden gems and bargains everywhere.

Troy loved to collect beautiful things and create beautiful spaces. His style and creativity filled many homes, offices, and lobbies with antiques and local artwork. One of his proudest accomplishments was the total restoration of 301 Cabell Street in the Daniel’s Hill neighborhood, for which he won a merit award from the Lynchburg Historical Foundation in 2007 and which was featured on the 2012 Garden Day tour. Troy served for several years on the board of the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, including as its president in 2012–2013 and 2016–2017. He supported many of Ted’s historical endeavors at the Old City Cemetery and Lynchburg Museum System, often working behind the scenes and avoiding the spotlight.

Just like his father, Troy never met a stranger. He made friends easily with his smile, disarming charm, and sense of humor. Just like his mother, he was a natural leader, both opinionated and decisive. From his Aunt Nelda he learned the motto “Get Up, Dress Up, and Show Up,” always meticulous about his appearance and impeccably dressed. He also inherited Nelda’s love for entertaining, hosting, and gathering family together.

Above all, Troy was a generous, sweet, and caring soul who always thought of others and gave freely. He worked very hard to take care of others, especially his family. Now he is at rest with “peace and grace,” reunited with his family, best friends Bea and Nora, and beloved dog Lucy.

Troy was predeceased by his parents; sister Lisa Deacon Williams; aunts and uncles Nelda and Robert Fields, Dennis Deacon, Eleanor Deacon, Clarence W. Bobbitt, Jr., Sheila Viar Clark, Ollie H. Bobbitt, Jr., and Jessie Lee Bobbitt, Sr.; and cousin Dennis Deacon, Jr.

In addition to his spouse, Troy is survived by his brother Todd Deacon of Lynchburg; aunt and uncle Wanda and Gene Williams of Appomattox, Virginia; uncle Frank Deacon, Sr., of Nacogdoches, Texas; mother-in-law Elizabeth Delaney of Gordonsville, Virginia; father-in-law Thomas Delaney of Lynchburg; brothers and sisters-in-law Raymond Williams of Lynchburg, Ben and Carrie Delaney of Lynchburg, Keegan and Whitney Delaney of Great Falls, Virginia, and Patrick Delaney and Sara McDonough of Huntington Beach, California; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Troy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory in Lynchburg. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service, and a reception will follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Troy Deacon Fund at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, 1100 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504, or www.lynchburgfoundation.org/donate

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Troy William's life with a short message, photo or video!

Ted, My sincere condolences in the loss of Troy. May you find comfort and peace in the good memories, the life shared, and the love of your best friend. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you as you travel down the road of life.

Posted by Gerald Cheatham on February 21, 2023

Dear Ted, I was shocked and saddened to read Troy’s obituary. He was such a kind and thoughtful friend. When my mother died my father who was devastated tried to help me by saying “Try to focus on the wonderful memories she left us.” Lean on your friends and family who care for you and want to comfort you.

Posted by Diane Kizer on February 20, 2023

Troy will be missed. Please accept my sympathy at this moment of grief and loss.

Posted by James Tracey on February 18, 2023

Ted and family , I was saddened to hear the news of your loved one. Ted you were such a good friend to my brother and family when Tim died. I can imagine your grief at this time. I can say that the memories of the good times keep you going and lessen the pain. Each day helps with the loss. Just remember they are always with you in your heart and in your memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Kimberly Roach Doyle on February 17, 2023

We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of Troy Deacon. Troy was an incredibly dedicated friend to our dear Beatrice throughout her own health battle. During the time he spent with Bea, our family grew to love and see him as a part of our own family. We will never forget his love, humor, or giving spirit. And to Ted, we share in your grief. While we can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re experiencing, please know that you are and always shall be in our hearts and prayers. If there is ever anything you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We love you! From the family of the late Beatrice Barbour.

Posted by Meghan Thomas on February 17, 2023

Ted, I was saddened to learn the news of Troy's passing and hope you will find strength and comfort now and in the days ahead in the concern and care of friends and in your cherished memories.

Posted by Carolyn Eubank on February 16, 2023

What a loss, what a lovely, talented man! So personable, so knowledgeable, I’m very saddened to hear that Troy is gone. My deepest condolences.

Posted by Kathy Clay on February 16, 2023

Ted, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Troy but it sounds like he led a wonderful life and I know he had comfort with you by his side. Again, my condolences to you and the Deacon family. Noreen

Posted by Noreen Turyn on February 16, 2023

Sending our big love and deep condolences to Ted and to Troy's family and dear friends. Your community is holding you tightly.

Posted by Anna and Tom Bentson on February 16, 2023

Ted and family, my deepest condolences in the passing of Troy. May God's comfort and strength surround you throughout this journey. Sincerely, Arelia

Posted by Arelia S Langhorne on February 16, 2023

Dear Ted, Mary and I extend our heartfelt sympathy. Not only was Troy immensely talented and appreciative of good design and historical perspective, but he was always kind, friendly, and helpful through his business transactions at High Cotton. Please know that our Spirit and condolences are with you in this time of your great loss. Louis Basten

Posted by Louis Basten on February 16, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Troy was a generous and kind spirit and I wish I had know his pain and hugged him and in some way have helped him. May he rest in sweet peace and comfort to you Ted and family.

Posted by Brenda Box on February 16, 2023

True, Troy never met a stranger. After meeting him at an estate sale,he always remembered me by name. He was a kind caring person and will be missed. My sincere condolences.

Posted by Betty Jean on February 16, 2023

Dear Ted, i am so sad for your loss. The dedication in which Troy had to resuming beautiful things (and Knack for spotting them) and the energy you both put into preserving Lynchburg’s architectural history is a gift to us all. May your memories be a blessing-

Posted by Jen Staton on February 15, 2023

Troy will be greatly missed by so many in the community. I will never forget during Covid lockdown when he left treats for my daughter because he felt so bad about her being cooped up. This was just like him---he was always looking out for others and truly kind. Rest in peace, sweet friend.

Posted by Carter Bendall on February 15, 2023

We are so sorry to hear about Troy's passing. He was a very talented person and fun to be around. He was a real asset to the community and we will all miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Edie and Cham Light

Posted by Cham Light on February 14, 2023

So sorry to hear about the passing of Troy. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by everyone that knew him. My condolences to all that knew and loved him. R.I.P. my friend.

Posted by Darlene Vandevander on February 14, 2023

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Troy. I know that he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cyndi Fein

Posted by Anonymous on February 14, 2023

Dear Ted, My heart is heavy with sadness at the loss of dear Troy. What a sweet and kind man he was and I am blessed to have known him and his gingerbread cookies.. My love and Prayers for Peace at this very difficult time. i understand the grief that we share.. Blessings,

Posted by Terry Arnold on February 13, 2023

Ted, I'm sorry for your loss of my dear friend . Troy and I worked together at BOTJ not only was a co worker he was a dear friend he will be missed. Rest in paradise my friend

Posted by TANITA COLES on February 13, 2023

We are sorry to hear of Troy’s passing. We knew him through BOTJ and my husband’s upholstery business. He was friendly and a fun person. He will be missed. Our sympathy to his family and work associates. Linda & Richard Durham

Posted by Linda Durham on February 13, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Troy’s passing. I worked with him at BOTJ. He was always kind, funny and always ready to make a joke to lighten the day. May his memory be a blessing.

Posted by Angelica Glover on February 13, 2023

Troy was more like a part of my family than just a good friend. Words cannot describe the depths of sorrow I feel. Goodbye my friend, you will be greatly missed.

Posted by Regina Matthewson on February 13, 2023

Ted sorry for your loss Troy will be missed greatly. Troy was a dear friend with a big heart .love away.

Posted by wanda s scott on February 12, 2023

Ted I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you. I have known Troy for over 20 years and talked to him almost daily. My heart is broken 💔 😢. I will miss him dearly. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to let me know. Praying for you 🙏🏽. R.I. P. My Troy.

Posted by Desiree Perkins on February 12, 2023

How to Write a Sympathy Message



Register now for the live seminar

Recent Articles





Click here to access Obituary Archives from 2014 and earlier.