April 25, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —

Troy Wendell Pate, Junior of Goldsboro died Friday, April 25, 2025. He was born in Goldsboro, NC, on February 24, 1931. He was the son of the late Eva Sugg Pate and Troy Wendell Pate, Senior. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Peggy Pate Chappell and Shirley Pate Narron.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Casey Pate as well as his children Troy W. Pate, III and his wife Diane Pate and Lynne Pate Dawkins and her husband Garrett Dawkins. His grandchildren Emily Dawkins and fiance Alex Fleming, Troy W. Pate IV, Mary Carmen Dawkins, Allison Pate, Sarah Dawkins, step-grandson Justin Anderson and wife Carol Ann and one step great granddaughter, Blair Anderson.

Troy grew up in Goldsboro, NC, and graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1949 and continued his education at the University of Chapel Hill. His college was interrupted by the Korean War when he joined the Navy and served as an air traffic controller. After his tour of duty, he continued his education at East Carolina College. After graduation, he returned to Goldsboro and began his career in banking in 1961 at Citizens Savings and Loan. After several name changes to better describe their position in banking, he retired from East Coast Savings Bank in 1993 as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Troy was actively involved with his alma mater, East Carolina, in numerous ways. He was honored to serve on the Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1982 and as chairman of that board for six years. He worked diligently to bring a 4 year medical school to the campus and was a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Brody School of Medicine.

Troy’s commitment to community was evident by his volunteer work with many organizations including Wayne United Way, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Wayne County Boys Club, Wayne County Economic Development, Kiwanis Club, Wayne County Memorial Hospital board, many of which he served as president. He was a Shriner and a Mason, and he received recognition for 70 years as a mason in 2024.

In 1970, he was asked to join a group of businessmen to support and foster relationships between Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the city, and the county. This began a fifty plus year journey to support our base military personnel as well as the citizens of Wayne County. Troy served as chairman for several years. He worked tirelessly starting new initiatives and projects that would support our military. He was instrumental in starting the Seymour Support Group. He served on the Air Combat Commanders Group and was on the first advisory group for the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He was honored to remain as member emeritus.

Some of his recognitions are Man and Boy Award from Wayne County Boys Club, Wayne County Cornerstone Award, Outstanding Alumni at East Carolina University, The Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award which is the highest civilian award in the Air Force, and The Order of The Longleaf Pine.

Troy considered his family and faith to be his greatest gifts. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro where he served on several committees as well as the diaconate and session. He and Joyce were honored with the Outstanding Older Adult Award.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 28, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro, NC, at 1101 East Ash Street with visitation and reception following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro or a charity of your choice.