CLAYTON  -  Richard Lee "Rick" Troldahl, 70, of Clayton, and formerly of Richlands, died Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at his home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at Jones Funeral Home, Richlands Chapel with Rev. Brian Young officiating.  Burial will follow at the Thompson Family Cemetery.

Rick was the son of the late Oswald T. and Vivian Whaley Troldahl.  He was a member of Richard Caswell Masonic Lodge #705 A.F. & A.M. in Kinston, and also a member and Past Patron of Service Star Chapter #225 Order of the Eastern Star.  Rick was active with the public schools in Richlands having served on the Advisory Councils of Richlands Elementary School, Trexler Middle School and Richlands High School.  He had the honor of serving as chairman of all three Advisory Councils.  He also was President of the Richlands Elementary School PTA for three years and President of the Trexler Middle School PTO for two years.  Also one of his greatest pleasures was helping with the musicals at Richlands High Schools over the years where he helped to design and build sets and serve as the stage manager for years.  In 1986, he received the honor of being named and listed as one of America's Outstanding Young Americans.  Rick was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for over forty-five years.  He graduated from Pitt Community College with an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy in 2008.  He transitioned into a new career, and continued serving others while working at ECU Health in Greenville and Kenansville and Novant Health in Mint Hill.

Survivors include his wife of forty-four years, Kathy Thompson Troldahl of the home; his daughter, Karen Troldahl Hollowell and her husband, Shane of Clayton; his son, Richard "Bryan" Troldahl and his wife, Kayla of Concord, NC; his brother, W. Kenneth Williams and his wife, Inez of Richlands; six grandchildren, Kamryn Hollowell, Karrington Hollowell, Emily Merrington, Alexis Troldahl, Bryson Lee Troldahl and Brayden Laine Troldahl; and his special fur friend, who always loved him unconditionally, Toby.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 – 8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please help Rick's legacy of service live on.  An account has been established at the State Employees Credit Union.  Donated funds will be channeled into the Miss North Carolina Organization and used to help deserving young women who demonstrate love of community service and high educational goals.  Memorials can be made in person at any State Employees Credit Union branch or be sent in the name of Kathy Troldahl, 235 Wilmington Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540.