Rocky Mount, N.C.—North Carolina Wesleyan College is saddened by the loss of a long-time former trustee and generous supporter of the college, J. Claude Mayo, Jr. He passed away on Thursday, April 27, at his home after a long period of declining health. He was 82.

Mr. Mayo was a member of Wesleyan’s board of trustees from 1980 until 1995 and received trustee emeritus status when he left due to declining health. He was an influential advocate for Wesleyan, always encouraging others to support the college, and doing so himself with great enthusiasm, dedication, and generosity.

In 1988 he received Wesleyan’s highest award given to a member of the community, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce awarded him their Distinguished Citizen Award in1996.

Mr. Mayo was a native of Rocky Mount. He was a graduate of Duke University and also served in the U.S. Army for two years, after which he returned to Rocky Mount and joined his father’s business in insurance and real estate. He also was involved in several local farming and development interests.

He was a community leader in his hometown and Nash County. He served as chairman of the board of the Nash County Tourism Development Authority and many other boards and organizations. His service included that as director of Pioneer Savings and Loan for 25 years and as chairman of the board; as a board member of First Citizens Bank, Nash General Hospital, and the Board of Health, of which he was chairman for nine years. He was a Nash County commissioner since 1981 and was chairman of the board since 1990. Also he was a Mason and a Shriner.

Mr. Mayo was an active member of The Church of the Good Shepherd. There he was a member of the vestry and served as senior warden and was on the Diocesan Council.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd on April 30.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter, one granddaughter, and other family.

For more information about Mr. Mayo, see the front page story and the extensive obituary in the Rocky Mount Telegram of Thursday, April 29, or see the newspaper’s website at www.rockymounttelegram.com.