Troy Reed Shaffer, 51, of Midlothian and formerly of Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

He was born February 27, 1975, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Donald Shaffer and Vicki Shaffer Williamson of Glen Wilton. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leona Conner, Calvin Reed ("Cab"), Ovie Shaffer, and Mary Shaffer; and his loyal chocolate lab, Switzer.

Troy is survived by the loves of his life, Sarah Maloney and their son, Wyatt Shaffer, who brought him his greatest joy. He is also survived by his mother, Vicki Shaffer Williamson; his brother, Scott Shaffer, and sister-in-law, Sherry Shaffer; his aunt, Cyndie Bradley; his cousins, including Victoria Bradley and Cole Bradley; many other beloved cousins, relatives, and friends; and his cherished cats, Smokey and The Bandit.

He dedicated his life to football and to the young athletes he coached and mentored. A 1993 graduate of Alleghany High School and a 1997 graduate of Bridgewater College, Troy turned his lifelong love of athletics into a coaching career that spanned nearly three decades. He served at the high school, collegiate, and international levels, holding coaching positions throughout Virginia and across the country, as well as in Germany. During his career, he coached at institutions including Bridgewater College, Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia Union University, the University of Richmond, Elizabeth City State University, Benedictine College Preparatory, and many others.

Troy became especially known for his expertise in special teams. Throughout his career, he developed and led highly successful special teams units, including a Virginia Union team that led NCAA Division II in blocked kicks and tied for first nationally in blocked punts. Fellow coaches respected him for his football knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication to the game.

More importantly, Troy was deeply invested in the young men he coached. He believed football was a vehicle for teaching discipline, accountability, perseverance, and character. Whether helping a player navigate challenges on the field, celebrating successes in the classroom, or offering guidance about life after football, he was committed to making a lasting impact on those entrusted to his care. Many of his former players remained in contact with him long after their playing days ended, a testament to the relationships he built and the respect he earned. His influence extended far beyond the football field and into the lives of countless young men.

Most recently, Troy served as Special Teams Coordinator at Benedictine College Preparatory from 2024 to 2026, where he continued investing in young men and helping them grow both as athletes and as people. Whether coaching college athletes or high school players, he was known for his passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in those he coached.

While Troy was proud of his accomplishments in football, those who knew him best knew that his greatest joy was his family. Friends often remarked on how happy he was in recent years and how much he loved the life he had built with Sarah and Wyatt. Becoming a father changed his priorities, and conversations that once revolved around football turned instead to stories about his son. Nothing made him happier than spending time with Wyatt, and those closest to him knew that his greatest pride was being a dad. As one longtime friend reflected, Troy "saved his best act for last."

His lasting legacy is found not only in wins and accomplishments, but in the countless players, students, fellow coaches, friends, and family members whose lives he influenced through his mentorship, friendship, generosity, love, and the potential to earn a nickname.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Arritt Funeral Home chapel with Mr. Chris Fisher officiating. A private interment will follow in Humphries Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be John Wilson, Timmy "Broadside" Rollison, Donald Tucker, Jason Lee, Cole Bradley, Casey Childs; honorary pallbearers are, Kenny Higgins and David Wilmoth.

The family will receive their friends on Tuesday, August 11th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.

The family is considering a Richmond-area celebration of life at a later date. Additional details, if available, will be shared separately.

Arrangements are under the care of Arritt Funeral Home.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.