Dr. Troy L. Day

Dr Troy Larkin Day, 95, passed away March 22, 2023, in Kannapolis, NC. His faith and love of the Lord Jesus Christ was his guiding principle in all that he accomplished and his relationships.  His service to community, leadership roles, graciousness, living by example, and love of family will be greatly missed by all of those that knew him.

Troy was born on May 26, 1927, in Connelly Springs, NC, the son of the late Thomas Hamilton Day and Lila Mae McNeely.  He was a graduating member of Valdese High School. Troy served in the United States Navy in WWII, stationed in Yokohama, Japan. Upon his return, he graduated from Mars Hill College in 1948, with a Major in Accounting.

Troy began his career in banking with Commercial Credit Corporation, Bank of Granite and ending his banking career with First Union National Bank in Kannapolis, NC as City Executive.  As an entrepreneur, he started Day Enterprises, Inc. which was a Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell franchise with 27 restaurant locations across North and South Carolina, that he operated for over 47 years and is now a 3rd generation family business in operation for over 57 years.  He additionally started numerous other businesses including Southeastern Credit Bureau, Inc. (Park Dansan – Credit reporting, receivable management and insurance follow-up business), and Car Fare, Inc (Used automobile dealership).

His professional work-related leadership roles included Director & Past Chairman of First Union National Bank Board, Kannapolis, Director & Past President Southeastern Kentucky Fried Chicken Association and National Franchisee Advisory Council of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Troy’s passion was, service above self , he accomplished this by supporting a multitude of civic activities including, Director & Past President YMCA, Director & Past President Kannapolis Chamber of Commerce, Director & Chairman Cabarrus-Stanley Credit Bureau, Director & President Greater Cabarrus County Economic Development Corporation, Member & Past President Rotary Club, Member & Past President Lions Club, Sponsor of Kannapolis  CWI- International, Guardian Member Boy Scouts of America, Member Advisory Council of The Salvation Army  & Past Chairman, Mars Hill College Foundation - Chairman, Past Chairman Elect of Mars Hill College Board of Trustees.

His church activities included being an active member of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, NC.  Past Chairman - Finance Committee, Past Deacon & Chairman of Deacons, and numerous committees.

His honors included Kannapolis Lion of the Year & Outstanding Service Award, Kannapolis, Boss of the Year by CWI , Kannapolis Chamber President’s Appreciation Award, Distinguishing Volunteer Leadership Award – March of Dimes, Citizen of the Year – Kannapolis Jaycees, Rotarian of the Year, Benefactor of Youth - YMCA, Doctor of Humane Letter-Mars Hill College, NC Baptist Philanthropist of the Year, 2000 Citizen of the Year – Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Leadership & Dedicated Service – Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Community Award, District Distinguished Rotarian Award, Lifetime Service Award-Kannapolis Rotary Award, Outstanding Leadership – Capital Campaigns Chair-Mars Hill College, Lifetime Achievement Award for Service & Citizenship-Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mars Hill University – Dedication of the Troy & Pauline Day Hall  - Day School of Business, Awarded the most prestigious North Carolina Award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from NC Governor Pat McCrory, Awarded the First Rotarian Emeritus Award from the Kannapolis Rotary at their 75th anniversary event.

Troy is survived by the love of his life, Pauline Smith, his wife of 74 years.  Troy had 8 brothers and sisters;  3 Children - Diane Overcash, Blowing Rock, NC  (Husband - Eric Overcash), Linda Rosenbalm, China Grove, NC (Husband – Dan Rosenbalm), Sandra Felker, Cornelius, NC (Husband – Eric Felker);  7 Grandchildren, Erica Phillips, Alan Overcash (Wife - Josie), Matthew Huie (Wife – Meredith), Tyler Huie (Wife – Chelsey), Austin Felker (Wife – Allyson), Winston Felker (Wife – Meghan), and Larkin Felker; 9 Great Grandchildren, Bentley Phillips, Ashton Phillips, Landon Phillips, Bates Overcash,  Amelia Overcash, Emily Huie, Michael Huie,  Mason Huie, and Rhodes Felker.

The family will be holding a private family service to celebrate his life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, 101 N Main St, Kannapolis, NC 28081.  The family would like to thank Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County - Kannapolis for their love and caring attention in his final days. Whitley’s Funeral Home – Kannapolis will be handling funeral services.

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