Troy Bradford Yopp

Troy Bradford Yopp, 78, passed away peacefully in his favorite recliner while taking a nap on June 22, 2014.

Troy was born on Oct. 18, 1935, to Edgar and Mary Yopp in Middleton, Tenn. He found his love of horses while riding one to and from high school. He joined the U.S. Air Force at such a young age that his parents had to sign waivers before he could be enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He achieved the rank of master sergeant during his 22-year career as a firefighter. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in Blytheville, he worked for the Department of Defense, Civil Service in the fire department at the former Eaker Air Force Base for 15 years. He worked a total of 37 years of federal service when he formally retired in 1992.

He started his third career of raising and showing championship registered Tennessee walking horses and Charolais cattle until his death. He was a member of the Ruddle Road Church of God and loved the lord. He was a 32nd degree Mason for more than 40 years.

Troy is survived by his wife of 17 years, Virginia Yopp;

His children, Rick Yopp (Cheryl) of North Little Rock and Terry Yopp (Melisa) of Farmington, Ark., and his two children, Jarred Yopp of Fayetteville and Timothy Yopp (Lee Ann) of Farmington, Ark;

His step-children,Tanya Razer, Vance Dixon III and his fiancée Whitley Barrentine of Blytheville, and Melanie Franklin (Matthew) of Mountain Home; and

Eight step-grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Although he loved all his grandchildren equally, the apple of his eye was Tootsie (Maya Bizzle).

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, and services will follow at 9:30 a.m. at the Ruddle Road Church of God, with Pastor Danny Pankey officiating. After transportation to Walnut, Miss., graveside services will be held at the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery, 1871 County Road 101, Walnut, Missi.

Honorable pallbearers are Tom White, Tom Sutton, Junior Wise, Dale Derrick, Dr. Rock Cato and B.J. Brumley.

The family requests that all of Troy's family and friends wear casual attire for the celebration of his life.

Services are under the direction of Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.cobbfuneralhome.com. The family requests any memorials be made to the Ruddle Road Church of God.