Troy Layton Hampton, Sr.

Troy Layton Hampton, Sr., went home to his Lord on July 10, 2025 in his home with his wife, Linda Willis Hampton, beside him. On July 1st they shared their 58th wedding anniversary with cherished memories. The sweetest memories were those of their son, Layton Hampton, who went home to his Lord on October 15, 2024. He blessed their lives for 50 years as a precious gift from God.

Troy was the middle son of Issac and Woodie Hampton and a brother to Billy and Wayne Hampton all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his nieces, Susan Hampton Arrington of Tifton, Tracy Hampton Powell of Warner Robins, Doris Hampton Marteen of Ashburn, and Julie Hampton Rodriquez of Ashburn.

The Hampton family blessed Troy’s life with a generation of cousins who grew up in a close, extended family. He enjoyed sharing stories about the typical Sunday, when after church, dozens of his family members would come to his parents’ house for lunch and long afternoon visits. Among his survivors is his aunt, Patsy Hampton Albritton of Tifton. In his last days Troy was comforted by the visits of several cousins, Calvin and Elaine Bryant of Fitzgerald, Ronnie and Karen Shifflett of Tifton, Donna H Whitley of Ashburn, Janet G. Smith of Homerville, Wanda G. Simpson of Tifton, Faye and Carlton Eunice of Sylvester and Sandra S. Whitaker. He had a special relationship with his cousin, Craig Black of Tifton, through their shared love of golf. From Linda’s family he is survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth Willis Cofer of Sweetwater, TN. Laverne MacDonald Willis and Dianne Willis Phillips are also fondly remembered for the comfort they offered Troy in his last days.

Troy and Layton lived on in spirit through Wendy S. Hampton, wife of Layton Hampton, and through Layton and Wendy’s precious children, Ashlyn Elizabeth Hampton and Ty Layton Hampton who live next door. Special friends who brought comfort to Linda and Troy in his last days were Melanie and Eddie Gibbs, Evelyn, Mike and Kathy Gailey,Tommy Fresh, and Jon Garrett.

In his 85 years Troy claimed many friendship-s that included friends from childhood, work, church and golf. The lifetime =friendships that he treasured most were with J. R. Howell and Robert (Bobby) Miles of Tifton. They were his role models for the Christian life they lived in front of him, and they always spoke the truth to him.

As a member of the 1957 graduating class of Irwin County, Georgia, Troy participated in the frequent class get-togethers. As the graduates have aged their get-togethers have ceased, but Troy kept up with them through visits from his childhood friend, Loralei Schwartz.

Troy was a lover of outdoor activities, cutting the grass as only he could do correctly, growing a large garden so that he could share produce with friends, grilling and smoking Boston butts, hunting, and fishing. Hunting and fishing took a backseat 56 years ago when he took up golf. The game of golf gave Troy a wide variety of friends. The highlight of his years was the springtime trip to Jekyll Island for the Walker Family Golf tournament where he played with Buddy Walker, Tommy Fresh, Dean Hillard, Joe Liu and many others. The tournament was so important that in 2005 he missed the birth of the first grandchild since she inconveniently arrived on the first day of the tournament. As age slowed him down, Troy enjoyed leisurely golf dates at Forest Lake Golf Club with his last golf buddy, Tony Marotti.

In his spiritual life Troy joined with Linda as member of Trinity Methodist Church for nineteen years. When Layton was twelve years old, the family became part of First Baptist Church of Tifton. In the Elvin Walker Sunday School Class Troy found friends and debate partners and was allowed to teach the class for a period of years. Troy was a man who spoke his mind and produced much discussion in spirited Sunday school lessons when he shared his beliefs despite who he agreed or disagreed with. He once said as a teacher that he would begin with a provocative question and the class would take it from there for a good discussion.

If you wish to remember Troy, his family would appreciate donations to the Hospice of Tift Area, PO Box 747, Tifton, Ga. 31793. His family wants to give a special thanks to Paula Reaves, Gwen Wynn, and Christie Brown for the comfort they brough Troy.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Oakridge Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Shifflett, his cousin officiating. Linda, Wendy, Ruth, Ashlyn and Ty will greet those who wish to remember Troy at the gravesite. Member of the Elvin Walker Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.