WHEREAS, Troy Basil Collier, who touched the lives of countless young men and women as the founder and executive director of Youth Challenge in Newport News, died on July 28, 2015; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hartman, Arkansas, Troy Collier served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, then pursued a career as a barber, becoming a master stylist; and

WHEREAS, in 1969, Troy Collier founded Teen Challenge, a faith-based program to help teens and young adults become healthy, productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, Troy Collier relocated to the Commonwealth and founded Youth Challenge in Newport News in 1978; the Youth Challenge center hosts treatment programs for young adults as an alternative to incarceration for drug-related crimes; and

WHEREAS, under Troy Collier's able leadership, Youth Challenge grew to provide long-term residential care to more than 100 youths each year, and he earned numerous awards and accolades for his good work; and

WHEREAS, Troy Collier also worked to enhance the community as a member of the Kiwanis Club at Oyster Point, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community at Warwick Assembly of God; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Bettye Lou, Troy Collier will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Michael, Terry, and Sharon, and their families and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Troy Basil Collier, the highly admired founder of Youth Challenge in Newport News; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Troy Basil Collier as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.