Raymond D. Troillett

Raymond D. Troillett, age 95, of Little Rock, went home to God, Thursday, January 11, 2018, at CHI St. Vincent’s Infirmary after a brief illness. Mr. Troillett is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary Jean, six children: Donna Jones(Garry), Marsha Byers(Phil), Sister Deborah Troillett, RSM, Larry Troillett(Monika), Becky Price(Blake) and Bonnie Greenwood(Buddy), grand children Robyn McMasters (Joel), Kelly Mercer (MacKenzie), Ben Byers, Ellen Jones, Peyton and Marian Troillett, and Nathan Price, great-grandchildren, Kara and Daniel McMasters, Jack and Adam Mercer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Strack Troillett, his father Daniel Frank Troillett, his sister Mary Evelyn Troillett Koehler, and brothers Clarence and Ralph Troillett.

Mr. Troillett was born in Conway and raised in Little Rock, a resident of Hillcrest for most of his 95 years. After graduating from Catholic High School for Boys in 1940, he served his country with distinction during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He was assigned to the Headquarters Squadron of the 85th Fighter Wing. He served in New Guinea, India, Burma, and the Philippines. He was in both Luzon and the Gulf of Leyte, a key allied victory during the war.Mr. Troillett earned several medals during WWII, including World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon, Three Bronze Service Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Two Bronze Stars. He was one of the last of “The Greatest Generation.”

In 1946, Raymond married the love of his life, Mary Jean Dearasaugh at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. He worked for his dad, Dan Troillett, business owner of Dan’s Shoe Shop, and later joined with his brother Clarence to continue the business in Hillcrest until he retired in 1992. Over the years Dan’s Shoe Shop in Hillcrest became legendary. Mr Troillett was a Golden Member of Our Lady of Holy Souls Church and one of the original parishioners of the church.

Mr. Troillett had a passion for cars, good music from the big band years, square, round and ballroom dancing, watching his backyard birds and laughing with his children and grandchildren.