Troy, hailing from the small town of Howe, Texas, graduated as Salutatorian from Howe High School. He then pursued his B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology. Following graduation, he gained experience as a contractor with MCI Telecommunications before spending four years at Texas Instruments Defense, later acquired by Raytheon. During his tenure at TI/Raytheon, Troy became involved with First UMC in Lewisville, Texas. Following a Walk to Emmaus, his involvement only increased, particularly in the Youth Ministries where he served as a volunteer Jr. High Coordinator. He discovered that while at his day job, he was thinking of what he'd be doing at church that night. But while at church, he felt at home. Thus, he began the ordination process.
Troy received his Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU). Brite is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) seminary but United Methodist approved. He was ordained a Deacon in 2006 in the Horizon Texas Conference (previously known as the North Texas Conference) of the UMC but transferred his membership in 2025 to the Virginia Conference. Troy has served: First UMC, Lewisville, Texas; Grace Avenue UMC, Frisco, Texas; First UMC, Wichita Falls, Texas; and Capitol Hill UMC, Washington, DC. He also did a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
Troy began working at Williamsburg UMC on January 30, 2023 and is excited to live more fully into his calling of growing disciples in the role of Minister of Discipleship. Sandra, his wife, is Senior Director of Marketing for Sojourners in Washington, DC but is working remotely. Though it took them years to begin dating and then marry, they met in the 5th grade! Their son, Micah, attends Lafayette High School and enjoys playing clarinet and video games. They also have one cat, Isabella. Troy and Sandra enjoy hiking and camping, and Micah reluctantly goes along. Troy loves playing guitar, reading biographies and theological books, wood working, and electronics repair while Sandra enjoys creating mixed-media art and reading novels.
One thing that all three love is going out to eat! For authentic Mexican food, their favorite (so far) in Williamsburg is 7 Mares Mexican Grille – try the Enchiladas Poblanas. Even though Deacon Troy is primarily vegan, he does occasionally make exceptions – especially for pork, and so Route 60 Barbecue Market is their current go-to! For Italian, it's hard to beat Sal's by Victor or Maurizio's, and for Thai they love Thai Tara Sushi & Bar (Troy leaves the Sushi for Sandra and Micah, though!). Then for a cute, fun place with some amazing vegan options, the Culture Cafe is a real treat. As eating out is one of their favorite pastimes, they are always open for the adventure of trying something new, so share your favorites with them.
Here are some books that have been meaningful to Deacon Troy:
To reach Deacon Troy email tsims@williamsburgumc.org.
