William Charles Troxell

July 20, 1929 - September 7, 2019

William Charles Troxell, age 90, loving husband of the late Ruth (Rapine) Troxell, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 7, 2019, with the comfort of knowing that his son Edward and daughter-in-law Jennifer were in his presence. Bill was from a family with long Phoenixville connections. His father, Charles "Bally" Troxell, worked at Phoenix Steel as an electrician. His mother, Mary (Roskos) Troxell, worked at Spring City Knitting. Bill's cousin, Fred Troxell, owned Troxell Jewelers, one of the oldest continuously-owned family businesses on Bridge Street. Bill graduated from Phoenixville Area High School, where he was an enthusiastic student, an expert musician who played both French horn and piano, and a member of their famous marching band. When he wasn't at school, he worked at a drug store, and learned the ropes of the pharmacy business. He matriculated at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, now the University of the Sciences, for 3 years, but found academic study incompatible with the practicalities of running a drug store. This experience helped him reformulate his life goals and where he would best direct his energies. And, this man was, in a nutshell, one of the most energetic men you could have ever met. Bill was the living embodiment of a public servant, and a civilian soldier. He entered into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, after serving brief stints as a clerk at American Accident Insurance Company and the graphite mines of Chester County. It was in the Guard where he found his life's calling, serving it for 28 years, attending the Officers Training School at Ft Benning, Georgia, and rising up through the ranks, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his service with the Guard, he helped coordinate the state's emergency response to Hurricane Agnes, led thousands of guardsmen in their training at Ft Indiantown Gap, and appeared on local TV to represent the Guard on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Soldiers loved and respected his no-nonsense, humble, and intelligent leadership. Every year, from his Guard headquarters on Ogontz Avenue in North Philadelphia, Bill would host an annual Christmas Dinner that included soldiers and their relatives, from all walks of life, from all economic strata and racial backgrounds, making them feel welcome into the family of military service. After his retirement, Bill did not settle on a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, he worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, coordinating innumerable blood drives, and donating gallons of his own blood. He was particularly passionate about bringing literacy to those who had not received a proper educational opportunity, so he led a Literacy Outreach Program at Graterford Prison where he taught men to read and write, giving them spiritual guidance and sometimes, the only shoulder upon which they could cry and share their stories. He palpably changed people with this service. Meanwhile, at home on Fourth Avenue, he was famous for getting his lawnmower and weed-whacker out, and tending to all his neighbor's lawns, something that he did with a lot of happiness. He adored children, and along with his wife, was always welcoming the neighborhood kids into his home. During the summer, he loved to swim at Baker Park YMCA, where it was common to see him do swan dives from the high diving board, and then entertain the kids with games of Marco Polo and Submarine. Bill's special energy came from his steadfast faith in the love of Jesus Christ, something that he not only observed by church attendance but exemplified through his deeds. He led up Sunday School at St John's Lutheran Church in Phoenixville, coordinated revival tent meetings with his membership in the Upper Main Line Evangelical Association, and hosted ministry in home Bible studies and community outreach as a member of Church of the Savior in Wayne. He was especially concerned about women who had lost their husbands and were in dire need of support and guidance. He often drove miles to help a widow understand a confusing bank statement or who desperately needed a father figure to replace the one they'd lost. Bill's family is so grateful that he was able to share this great love with the community. Through him, he provided an example of how to live and how to love. He is survived by his children, Deborah Focer and her husband David, Edward Troxell and his wife Jennifer, Kate Troxell Jackson and her husband Harry Faulkner, and Susan Troxell and her husband Erik Michaelson. He is survived by grandchildren Victor, Chloe, and Caroline Jackson; Benjamin and his wife Lauren, Jacob, Noah, and Oliver Troxell. And, his great-grandchildren, Rue Adelaide Jackson and Colby Jeremiah Troxell. If there is a landscaping or a smoking section in Heaven, Bill will be there, tending to the lawns and gardens of the Almighty Lord, and perhaps enjoying a cigarette, using his amazing musical talents to give thanks for the gift of life and salvation granted to him - and all of us -- by our Creator. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 9:30 am to 11 am, at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 610 South Main Street, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. A funeral ceremony of joy will follow immediately thereafter at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be held at the Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.org. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.