Bob Austin Troup

Bob Austin Troup, age 92, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

He was born on July 28, 1933, in Grant, Alabama, to his loving parents, Earl and Bernice (Taylor) Troup. Bob was a kind, generous, and deeply Christian man who never met a stranger. He cherished his family—especially his mother and wife—as well as his friends and neighbors, and he touched countless lives with his warmth and humor.

Bob worked on the family farm until 1951, when he and six friends enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served honorably for 20 years, from 1951 to 1971, working in weapons control and E.O.D. (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) control. During his service, he formed many lifelong friendships, including a 52-year bond with his dear friend Tom Randolph.

Following his military career, Bob worked as a quality control manager for an electronics company, where he met Mary Ann, the love of his life, on May 23, 1973. They were married on June 23, 1998, at Wakulla Springs, Florida, and shared 27 wonderful years together. They enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting cities and states, exploring all the covered bridges of Alabama, and making two memorable trips to Yellowstone National Park, among many other adventures.

Bob had a lifelong love of music. He played and sang on several instruments—including guitar, mandolin, and a treasured fiddle made by his great-great-grandfather during the Civil War, which he later passed down to Andrew Oliver. He also enjoyed golf, western movies, computer board games, Facebook conversations with military friends, swimming, and gardening. Most of all, Bob loved reminiscing with family about the past. After COVID-19, he faithfully listened to Destin Church of Christ services every Sunday, and he was baptized on January 27, 2006.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bernice Troup; his brother, Olin Troup; and his sisters, Betty Lira and Ruth Dee.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Troup; daughter, Peggy Hardy (Brian); grandchildren, Morgan Lutz (Aaron), Shelby Wright (Josh), and Connor Lutz (Arika); and great-grandchildren, Lincoln Lutz-Shavnore and Wren Smith.

Family members will be traveling from multiple states to honor Bob’s memory, including Don Black from Oklahoma, Cathy Oliver from Michigan, and Dana from South Carolina. Many others who cannot attend in person will join the service via livestream.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547. A visitation will be held an hour prior at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 

Pastor Gary Coburn will officiate services at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, followed by interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

Bob’s life was one of service, friendship, and love—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.