Sign of the times ...
Local effort results in highway markers for Troup cemeteries

Have you traveled along Highways 135 or 110 coming into Troup, Texas lately?

If so, you would have noticed an accomplishment which is seldom celebrated. Thanks to a few citizens of the city, along with Cherokee County Road and Bridge and TXDOT Jacksonville, Community Cemetery and Troup City Cemetery are now easily located.

Willie Lacy III recalls attending the funeral of James Ausborne in October this year. While at the funeral the family spoke of the love of James and his philosophy of the need to do better in life. Although James has left this life, the philosophy he believed is still returning investments for past, present, and future citizens of Troup.

While following the procession to the burial site at Community Cemetery, Lacy noticed the absence of directional markers along Highway 135.

"If you have never been to the cemetery it would be difficult to locate," said Lacy. After turning onto CR 2185 and traveling a few miles you arrive at the entrance. "Without a visible sign at the entrance it's easily missed by out of town visitors and citizens."

Willie Lacy III stands at the new sign for Troup's Community Center. The old sign is pictured below. Lacy spearheaded an effort to get a new sign for the cemetery, as well as road markers for Community Cemetery and Troup City Cemetery.

.Located 80 yards from the entrance, hidden behind mature trees and brush is the cemetery. The newly added signs will eliminate the guess work for visitors.

By questioning citizens in regards to the absence of directional markers, Lacy began his research.

"Many individuals thought the directional markers would be a great addition to the city," said Lacy. He decided to use the inspiration that James had bestowed upon all and facilitate the project of establishing directional signs for Community Cemetery. After emails and phone calls to TXDOT Tyler and Jacksonville, the signage was secured for Highway 135; however, he was informed Cherokee County Road and Bridge maintained jurisdiction at the entrance along CR 2185.

After requesting sign placement from Cherokee County Road and Bridge, Willie decided to locate other cemeteries within Troup to see if they were without signs. Based on his findings, only one qualified for signing according to TXDOT rules and regulations: Troup City Cemetery. Although a historical marker is present which details the history of Troup and the cemetery, a directional marker locating it was absent. Now, from Highway 110 near Troup Municipal Library, a directional marker can be seen for the cemetery.

The requests were originated on Oct. 12. Troup City Cemetery was completed Dec. 5, while Community Cemetery was completed a week prior.

Lacy would like to thank everyone for their assistance throughout the seven-week period. He's dedicating this milestone to the City of Troup, especially James Ausborne, and cites Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

"We can do better through Christ who strengthens us! To the family of James "Stu" Ausborne, thank you for the inspiration, love, and memories," said Lacy.