Troy Legrand Waugh, beloved son of Glenna and Gary Hollis, passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 60. Troy was born on October 9, 1963, to Stanley E. and Glenna (Vaughn) Waugh in Liberal, Kansas. He lived a life full of generosity, leadership, and strength. He was known for his passion for adventure, architectural expertise, proficiency in martial arts, and enjoyment of motorcycles and the open road.
Troy graduated from Merritt High School in Elk City, Oklahoma, in 1982. He worked many years at the Elk City Honda Shop. He then earned his Professional Bachelor of Architecture from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and established a distinguished career with years of service in civil and government architecture.
Troy’s work included building high-rises in Honolulu, Hawaii, and government projects in Kabul, Afghanistan, Manila, Philippines, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also worked on U.S. Embassy projects in Asuncion, Paraguay. Troy had a keen eye for detail and a special appreciation for timeless church structures. At the time of his illness, Troy was an architectural project and construction manager for the City of Plantation, Florida, where he was greatly supported and encouraged by many friends and coworkers. He was a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and held a U.S. government “Q” Clearance, one of the highest levels of security privileges.
Troy lived an adventurous life and traveled to 42 countries. He loved hunting, fishing, deep- sea diving, and while living in Key West, Florida, he enjoyed spearfishing.
Troy was a respected figure in the professional mixed martial arts community, excelling as both a fighter and a UFC referee. He held a black belt and was skilled in various martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which he trained under the renowned Gracie family. He was also a member of the Florida Boxing Commission. Troy fought in many MMA events worldwide, which included a notable world championship fight in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He also refereed many prominent UFC fights, including those featuring Jon “Bones” Jones and Kimbo Slice. In Moscow, Russia, he refereed a high-profile match attended by President Vladimir Putin, Italian President Ciampi, and actor Jean-Claude Van Damme at ringside.
Troy actively served as Vice President and Road Captain of the Florida Abate SE Motorcycle Chapter, was a contributing author to the Abate SE Florida Magazine, and advocated for biker safety laws. He spent hours riding on weekends with friends as a protective leader, always looking forward to the next ride.
Troy had a deep, personal, private faith in God, having been raised in the Friends Church and accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age at Camp Quaker Haven in Arkansas City, Kansas, where he was also baptized. His faith sustained him throughout his life, especially during his courageous two-year battle with brain cancer-he truly was a Braveheart.
Troy is survived by his mother and stepfather, Glenna and Gary Hollis of Elk City, Oklahoma; his sister, Debra Smith of Wichita, Kansas; his brother, Stan Waugh and wife, Janet of Stillwater, Oklahoma; step-sisters D’Ann Barrett and husband, Billy of Clifton, Texas; Geri Hollis of Midlothian, Texas; Deborah Lynne Cox and husband, David of Crescent, Oklahoma; and Jessie Waugh Modderman and husband, Geoffrey of Cincinnati, Ohio. Troy was a beloved uncle to his nine nieces and nephews-Michael Feltman, Rachel Martinez, Jordan Arias, Shane Smith, Lela Smith, Luke Smith, Tanner Smith, Alex Waugh, and Jacob Waugh-as well as to his 12 great-nieces and great-nephews: Judah, Michael John, Meggie, Hadassah, Leire, Adam, Samuel, Gael, Carter, Annie, Grace, and Clark. Additionally, he was loved by a host of step-nieces, step-nephews, many cousins, and loving friends too numerous to name. Troy was preceded in death by his father, Stanley E. Waugh, in 1982.
A Graveside Service honoring Troy will be held on August 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Liberal Cemetery in Liberal, Kansas. All who knew Troy will treasure their special relationship and memories with him. He will be greatly missed!
Miller Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.