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Obituary For John Phillip Troxler, Jr.
John “Phillip” Troxler Jr., a treasured husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa” was born on October 16, 1949, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Phillip’s steady, loving, and easy-going nature was the beating heart of his family.
Born to the late Mozelle Moore Troxler and John Troxler Sr., Phillip showed an early love for sports and competition. His athleticism was apparent from a young age, and he spent much of his childhood playing football and Little League. He attended James B. Dudley High School, where he was a member of both the football and baseball teams and was known as one of the most explosive running backs in his conference. His talent earned him a football scholarship to John C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. After completing his freshman year, he transferred to Winston-Salem State University, where he continued to play football. In recognition of his athletic achievements, Phillip was inducted into the James B. Dudley High School Hall of Fame in 2015.
It was during his time at Dudley High School that Phillip met his “partner in crime” and future wife, Tervolia “Dottie” Troxler. They were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage, building a partnership rooted in laughter, companionship, late-night drives, and a deep commitment to raising their children and grandchildren.
Phillip carried that same dedication into his work. For over thirty years, he owned and operated Troxler Cleaning Services, building a business through consistency and pride. After closing his business he joined the Guilford County School System, retiring on July 1, 2018.
Above all else, Phillip was a family man. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. He is survived by his wife, Tervolia “Dottie” Troxler; his children, Nina Nicole Troxler, Phillip Jason Troxler (Nicole), and Brandy Lucille Troxler (Dan); his grandchildren, Taylor Marie Troxler, Tristen Isaiah Troxler, Tyler Phillip Troxler, Tatum Cole Troxler, & Lucille Troxler Kennedy; his aunt Anna Hill; his brother, Phillip Jerome Hatchett; and many other relatives, loved ones, and friends.
Phillip will be remembered for his big laugh, often heard before he was seen, his love of a good hot dog, his calming presence, his love of the miami dolphins & the UNC tarheels, and his big, open heart.
A public visitation will be held at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 1701 E Market Street in Greenboro, NC on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00pm. A funeral service will follow at 12:30pm. The burial will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro.
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Janet Bujko sent Ocean Devotion for John Phillip Troxler, Jr. - January 29, 2026
Diane Jackson sent Rainbow Reflections Basket for John Phillip Troxler, Jr. - January 29, 2026
Ellen M Catelli sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for John Phillip Troxler, Jr. - January 28, 2026
Mr. Troxler was my co-worker at Gillespie Park he was the kindest and sweetest person you could ever meet, I am so sorry for your loss, may God comfort you and your family in this difficult time. Karen Sutton
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My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Philip.
I will always remember his hearty laughter and his quiet spirit sleep well Phillip until we meet again your cousin Diane
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Wishing you peace and healing during this difficult time. Brian & Penny Stubbs
MY Heartfelt Condolences to " Dottie " the Children , Grand Children and all others related to or affiliated with John Phillip Troxler. Outside of " Cecil & Bernard Shaw, " Smitty " Murrell and David Feister You will not know and perhaps never heard of ME. Troxler was and has and will ever remain one of MY core Friends, Associates, Cohorts and Colleagues of MY formative years life experience. Brown Hall (WSSU); Football Teamate (WSSU) and revered member of the 3rd Street Townhouse Crew, bid whist and casino partner; our success at these card games were WE passed signals, dealth off the bottom of the deck and cheated. As stated that constant smile and joy consumed all the spaces HE encountered and was a part of. When HE assumed His Janatorial enterprise two of His first employees were MY Homeboys of Wilson,NC. Levi Stewart and Charles Pope. Phillip hired them bases on MY suggestion.I am simply remorseful and saddened. Troxler was One of One ! The Family will let ME know how I may support You ALL. Respectfully Submitted HB " Harry " Harris WSSU C/O 1972 ; Teamate & Close Friend ~ requiscat ' en pace'
Times like this are so difficult to face yet, we know life begins and ends. Having known Phillip for more than fifty five years as a college classmate, close friend to my husband Bernard, dad, granddad and good old buddy makes me smile to think of his easy going personality and always smiling face. When running into him out and about, our conversations were always about our children and grandchildren. We'd always get around to asking how our spouses were but grandkids were the focus. Saying 'good bye' must be hard for them but please know that his love for all of you extended beyond the horizon. Cherish your memories and be ready to tell Papa all about your accomplishments when once again you will meet beyond that horizon. I smile when I think of Phillip today because I know he was always that friend I could just have a great conversation with no matter where we ran into each other. Feel his presence, family. He's just over yonder watching all of you. God Bless you as this difficult time will not last forever.
Phillip was a wonderful help to me & our family when I was a member of Holy Trinity. I vividly remember his laughter and joy, always willing to assist my family. That has been many years ago, in the 80's, yet I have never forgotten his kindnesses. I give thanks for his life and pray for comfort to his family during this sad time.
It's been difficult to hear of and experience so many losses amongst our Dudley High families and friends. I had the pleasure of seeing Phillip at the NC License Plate Agency at Golden Gate S/C, last year. We hadn't seen each other for several years, and engaged in a pleasant conversation about family, and shared fond memories from our school days. I feel fortunate to have known Phillip as one of the good ones. God bless you, Tervolia ("Dottie"), and all of the Troxler and Reaves families and friends. 🙏🙏
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
