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Troy Nabors Obituary
Rodeo entertainer, bullfighter, trick roper, comedian, actor (SAG), family man, and one of the last true cowboys --Troy Nabors passed away unexpectedly on the evening of November 10th, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 83. Troy was born on October 2, 1931 in Antlers, Oklahoma to Buster & Mary Kay Nabors. He is survived by his beloved wife Janice "Jonnie" nee Elder of Mesa, AZ, son Randal (Karen) Robbins, grandsons Steven and William Robbins, 6 nephews, 10 nieces, and a large extended family. It was a long and winding road from his self-proclaimed "Okie" beginnings through his storied 50 years of show business. For 38 of those years, his housebroken and "educated" mule Slim was his constant companion and cohort. His cowboy comedy antics and trick roping brought him before President John F. Kennedy, President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and countless captivated audiences. He performed at The Calgary Stampede in Canada, Pendleton Roundup in Oregon, Lakeside Rodeo in California (26 years), Phoenix Jaycees Rodeo of Rodeos, Parada Del Sol, Gilbert Days, Apacheland, and Legend City. He also performed many years at the Stardust Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and won Best Contract Act of IPRA for 3 consecutive years. Above all, he was a good-hearted cowboy, and a friend to all who met him. Troy went from Okie beginnings and became a true Arizona son. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Monday, November 17th at 1:00PM at the Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85298. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel.
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Memories and Condolences
for Troy Nabors
Kathy Field
July 9, 2025
I worked at Denny´s in Scottsdale, Az. 1996.
Troy was a regular. Always had a smile on his face.
A true gentleman and friend.
Debi Corral
May 6, 2023
I met Troy at the Fry's in Scottsdale. Such a nice man. He gave me a signed poster of himself and "slim" from the 1969 Parada Del Sol. Miss his smile and kind words!
Tami Wickett
January 22, 2023
I have a signed poster that Troy signed to me. Years ago I bought a lot of arena fencing from his house in Scottsdale I think on Cactus road. Not 100 % sure.
Maria ( Gradillas) Marano
October 22, 2022
I remember being a little girl and seeing Troy, he was friends with my dad. My dad passed a few years back and his belongings I found Troy's hat.. I'm sure he had many ... He was a kind and gentle person with a smile that lit up the whole room... Good memories.
Pam Artibey
November 9, 2019
Troy was an extraordinary person! His personality was always warm and never lacked a smile! We always loved it when he was performing at the event we were at. He is sorely missed!
George Grogan
March 9, 2017
I was going thru a drawer and found the buckle Troy gave me and I told my wife, I am going to try and call him. Well that was when we saw that he had passed. I have a son that is a captain in the army and I only hope people, including me, say half of the good things about him. I had an insurance company and we had Troy perform at Rawhide and then a couple of years later he came to Lake Tahoe to perform again. (I think you were there in Tahoe.
He was a gentleman and a man, this country needs a lot more like Troy today. I hope this note finds you well and you and Troy will be in the Grogan family prayers.
Warmest regards,
George Grogan
Pam Artibey (Nelson)
December 7, 2014
I wasn't aware of Troy's passing until now. He was a real gentlemen and I'd loved working with him. My band, Sedona Crossing, performed at Rawhide for about 8-1/2 years. Everytime Troy showed up we were so happy to see him. He was an Arizona legend and will also be.
Cvs Pharmacy Stapley & Mckellips
November 21, 2014
We send prayers of strength, comfort and peace to Ms. Jan and the friends, family & loved ones of Mr. Troy.
Guy and Frosty
November 18, 2014
so long my ol friend thankyou for the memories RIP cowboy
November 18, 2014
Troy was ALWAYS a kind and honest man. He was the funny man at the rodeos, but he was anything but, in real life. He had a since of humor and a GREAT MAN to know!!!...all us that knew him are blessed to have had him in our lives.Prayers to his family and may you Rest in Peace up there in COWBOY HEAVEN!!!
Robin Garrett
November 17, 2014
Remember Troy going to the Rodeos then Working it as an Jaycees
Christopher Bliss
November 17, 2014
Troy was a mainstay performer at old Rawhide in Scottsdale. I recall him entertaining folks, and kids loved his show! RIP
Mark Dollar
November 17, 2014
Troy was a good friend and a great human being. We did many a show together and I will never forget his wit, honesty and compassion for life.
I am sure he is entertaining the angels now.
Mark Stephenson
November 17, 2014
Full of heart and full of life, Troy had the courage to be scared out of his wits and saddle up anyway. May his last ride be peaceful, and leave us filled with wonderful memories of a loving, decent and honorable man. Jan, our thoughts and prayers are with you today...and always.
November 17, 2014
My uncle, Ben Reed Bruton, introduced me to Troy and Slim some 40 years ago at the rodeo in Phoenix. What a fun, entertaining guy. My sympathies.
Jeanne Crone
Maxine Huckins
November 16, 2014
Troy lived his dreams. It can't get any better than that. Jan was the love his life Gone but not forgot.
jimbo
November 16, 2014
What a great guy. He took great care of my sister. we will all miss his stories.
November 16, 2014
What a great man and he had such a full life. He has touched many lives and will be missed very much
Eileen Rigler
November 16, 2014
Prayers for the family... Troy was such a good man and he was loved by all that knew him...
Scottie Fulton
November 16, 2014
Prayers to his family at this difficult time. Mr. Nabors was and always be a very bright spot in my childhood memories.
Sheryl Billeaudeaux
November 16, 2014
One of the nicest guys you would have ever met. So sad to hear of his passing.
Dave
November 15, 2014
I was sorry to hear about the passing of Troy, He will be missed. My heart goes out to the family at this difficult time.
Jack and Nancy Wingfield
November 15, 2014
We were saddened to hear about our special friend Troy.
He will live on in our hearts. We will always cherish his kindness and laughter we shared with him at the Garret rodeo. Our thoughts and prayer will be with his family and friends. Go rest high on that mountain Troy. You will be missed.
Sherry and Thomas Sabey
November 15, 2014
We were sadden to read about the loss of a wonderful, caring person. We knew Troy through the Phoenix Jaycees and will miss seeing him. May he rest in peace and God be with his family and friends.
Nancy Schierbeck
November 15, 2014
My prayers are with your family. I have so many memories of Troy and Slim. With the Phoenix Jaycees Rodeos.
Mike and Teri Mahaffey
November 15, 2014
We feel such sadness losing Troy. He will always be remembered as a true friend.
From the Staff of Bunker Family Funeral Homes
November 14, 2014
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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