Nicholas “Nick” Scronce

Nicholas “Nick” Scronce

January 11, 2023, 89, Goldsboro –

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Nicholas “Nick” Scronce, age 89, passed away at home surrounded by family.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired as Chief of Operations Plans Division/Wing and was awarded many medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal, the AF Outstanding Unit award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service with two Bronze Service Stars along with several others. He retired with full honors in 1985 after 28 years, 9 months of active duty, and a year and a half of reserve time.

Col. Scronce was born July 6, 1933, to the late Edwin Guy Scronce, Jr. and Susie Wood Scronce.

He graduated from Blackburn High School in 1951 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in textile engineering from North Carolina State University in 1955. He was commissioned a Second Lt. upon graduation and served three years as a Navigator in the Air Force.

After serving this initial tour he worked for Burlington Mills for 18 months. In June of 1960, he married Sandra Buff, beginning a wonderful marriage of 62-plus years. His recall into the Air Force in the summer of 1960 found them beginning a military life. He flew in the K-97 from 1956-1960, then as Instructor Navigator from 1960 to 1970. He held the position of Chief of the Navigation Branch from 1970 to 1975. From 1975 until his retirement in 1985 he was Chief of the Operations Plans Division.

Col. Scronce served at bases in LA, OH, OK, KS, and Okinawa, Japan, and in many places worldwide serving temporary duty. He completed Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He is survived by Sandra and their two children, Theresa Scronce McGee (Darren) of Goldsboro; Tim Scronce (Brenda) of Oak Island, NC; and grandchildren Nicholas McGee, Ashton McGee, Madison Scronce Coatney (Wyatt), Austin Scronce, and Gregory Scronce; his sister Carolyn Leonhardt (Jearld), sister-in-law Barbara Scronce.

In addition, to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Wood Scronce.

Nick will be remembered for his strong personality, his love of learning, his generosity, and his proactive approach to life. He never met a stranger and embraced all people. He always stressed the importance of family—his number one priority.

He demonstrated his love of learning after retirement by attending Wayne Community College for an associate degree in Accounting and Campbell University for his MBA.

He loved N.C. State and was a member of the Wolf Pack Club for many years. He enjoyed the football games and tailgating with family and friends, golf, and traveling. Spending time at the beach with family brought him much joy. He served for 25 years on the Community Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.

He was a proud granddaddy and loved nothing better than watching his children and grandchildren participate in their athletic, musical, and educational endeavors.

Nick was a long-time member of St Luke UMC and early on was a member of the Men’s Club.

A memorial service to celebrate Nick’s life will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 12 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church with the Rev. Karl Grant and Dr. Earl Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to
St. Luke UMC
1608 E. Pine Street
Goldsboro, NC 27530

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

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