Troy W. Trice, 85 of Akron, loved by his family, passed away on May 9, 202
Troy W. Trice was born on July 21, 1940, in Montezuma, Tennessee, to the late Joe R. Trice and Ruby Mae Davis Trice. On May 7, 2026, he peacefully transitioned from this earthly life with his family by his side after a brief illness. Troy was the sixth of fifteen children born to this union.At an early age, Troy was baptized at Oak Grove Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. He faithfully served as a song leader during worship services and sang in the church singing group. His love for music and fellowship was evident throughout his life.
Troy attended Vincent High School in Chester County, Tennessee, where he graduated in 1960. During his childhood and early adult years, he worked alongside his parents and siblings on the family farm. Those who knew Troy remember his inquisitive spirit and natural curiosity about how things worked—especially automobiles. He loved working on cars, detailing them, and driving fast. Troy had a special talent for fixing anything that was broken. In fact, sometimes he would take things apart simply to learn how they were made.
Troy was known for his joyful spirit and playful personality. He enjoyed teasing his sisters, especially his sister Juanita, and aggravating the farm animals for fun. No matter what he was doing, Troy always seemed happy and full of laughter.
Shortly after graduating high school, Troy married at an early age and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, and later moved to Decatur, Illinois, where he was employed by Caterpillar Inc. for several years. To this union, three children were born: Angela, Anita, and Cedric. Their daughter, Anita, preceded him in death at the tender age of three.
Following the dissolution of his marriage, Troy moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1964, where he later married Gwen Momon Trice. To this union, one child was born, Londa Roberts. Troy and Gwen were happily married for 37 years before she preceded him in death in 2007.
Troy first worked at Summit Buick in Akron detailing cars before attending GM mechanic school. He then began working at General Tire, where he worked for nearly ten years until the Akron plant closed. Troy’s next position was with Goodyear Aerospace, where he worked hard, proved his leadership abilities, and became a supervisor. Troy retired in 2004 after 23 years of service. Anyone who knew Troy knew he could not sit at home, so after only six months of retirement, he began working for Ohio E-Check on Copley Road. Troy was employed there for 15 years, doing exactly what he enjoyed most—talking to people.
In addition to his work responsibilities, Troy enjoyed barbequing for family and friends and spending time gardening. Troy received the Akron Beautification Award for maintaining a pristine yard and beautiful flowers. He treasured visits with loved ones in Akron, Illinois, and Tennessee. Troy never met a stranger and always found joy in making others laugh with his teasing nature and warm sense of humor.
Troy took his first plane ride in May 2000 to California to visit his sisters, Juanita and Mozell. During his visit, Juanita took Troy and Gwen to The Price Is Right, and, of course, with Troy’s charming and approachable personality, he was selected to be on the show. Not only did he get on the show, but he also won the showcase. What an experience of a lifetime!
Troy will be remembered for his loving heart, mechanical mind, joyful spirit, and the laughter he brought into the lives of so many. He had such an infectious personality that his garage was always filled with friends stopping by to visit and chat with him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ruby Trice; daughter, Anita Trice; wife, Gwendolyn Trice; sisters, Mozell Bowers, Betty Ross, Patricia Blakney, Rebecca McHaney, Darlene Jones, and Juanita Pulce.
Troy leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Angela (Juhmal) Eastland and Londa (Eric) Roberts; son, Cedric Trice; granddaughters, Jasmine (James) Combs and Falyn Satterfield; sisters, Wilma (Alfred) Harville, Peggy Trice, Christine Trice, Brenda (Richard) DePriest, and Janice (Michael) Taylor; brothers, Paul (Mae) Trice, Benjamin Trice, and G.H. Trice; brother-in-law, Warren Blakney Sr.; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Terrell, Cathryn Madden, and JoAnn Stembridge; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of beloved friends who will never forget the times they shared with him.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday May 16, 2026, at the Sommerville Funeral Home Chapel 1695 Diagonal Rd, Akron, Ohio 44320. Funeral will immediately follow. Interment will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery in Akron.
Condolences may be sent to 188 Caladonia Ave Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 or 1589 Lakeland Ave Akron, Ohio 44320
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Sommerville Funeral Services. Funeral will immediately follow.