RIP Troy Nabors

By Staff

November 15, 2014

Rodeo entertainer, bullfighter, trick roper, comedian, actor (SAG), family man, and one of the last true cowboys --Troy Nabors passed away unexpectedly on the evening of November 10th, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 83. Troy was born on October 2, 1931 in Antlers, Oklahoma to Buster & Mary Kay Nabors. He is survived by his beloved wife Janice "Jonnie" nee Elder of Mesa, AZ, son Randal (Karen) Robbins, grandsons Steven and William Robbins, 6 nephews, 10 nieces, and a large extended family. It was a long and winding road from his self-proclaimed "Okie" beginnings through his storied 50 years of show business. For 38 of those years, his housebroken and "educated" mule Slim was his constant companion and cohort. His cowboy comedy antics and trick roping brought him before President John F. Kennedy, President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and countless captivated audiences. He performed at The Calgary Stampede in Canada, Pendleton Roundup in Oregon, Lakeside Rodeo in California (26 years), Phoenix Jaycees Rodeo of Rodeos, Parada Del Sol, Gilbert Days, Apacheland, and Legend City. He also performed many years at the Stardust Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and won Best Contract Act of IPRA for 3 consecutive years. Above all, he was a good-hearted cowboy, and a friend to all who met him. Troy went from Okie beginnings and became a true Arizona son. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Monday, November 17th at 1:00PM at the Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85298. All are welcome to attend.

Born: 10/2/1931, Antlers, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Died: 11/10/2014, Mesa, Arizona, U.S.A.

Apache Blood – 1975 (Corporal Lem Hawkins)