Goldsboro, N.C. – The Wayne County community reflects with deep respect and gratitude on the life and legacy of Efton Medford Sager, a devoted public servant, veteran, and community leader whose commitment to service left an indelible mark on Eastern North Carolina.
Efton Sager’s journey of service began in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction from 1950 to 1971, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant and First Sergeant. His dedication to his country carried over into civilian life, where he built a career in business and public service.
A 1981 graduate of Wayne Community College with a degree in Business, Sager managed several local companies, including JW Logging and Comer Equipment Company, and briefly owned S&W Logging. Yet his impact extended far beyond the private sector.
Sager’s political career reflected his deep-rooted commitment to the people of Wayne County. He served on the Wayne County Board of Elections from 1998 to 2000 before being elected Wayne County Commissioner, a role he held for two terms from 2000 to 2008. His leadership continued at the state level when he represented District 11 in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013. He also ran for the District 4 seat in 2012.
His extensive involvement in local governance included serving as President of the East Carolina Council of Government, Chair of the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and a board member for the Southern Wayne County Sanitary District. He was active in various committees and boards, such as the Solid Waste Committee, Board of Election County Commissioners, and the Education Steering Committee for the NC Association of County Commissioners.
Beyond politics, Sager was a cornerstone of civic life in Goldsboro. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, a longstanding member of the American Legion Post 10, and actively involved in organizations like the Masonic Lodge #634, Gideon’s International, the Elks Lodge, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Faith played a central role in Sager’s life. As a Certified Lay Speaker and chairman of the pastor/parish relations committee at Brogden Church, he ministered to many and helped guide his community spiritually as well as civically.
He also served as a mentor to younger leaders, including Representative John Bell, helping shape the next generation of public servants in North Carolina.
As the community honors the memory of Efton Medford Sager, it does so with immense appreciation for a man who dedicated his life to service—in the military, in government, in faith, and in fellowship. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched and the many causes he championed.
