Former North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory, has honored Rev. Daniel LeRoy, retired district superintendent of The Wesleyan Church’s North Carolina East District, with a prestigious honor. Gov. McCrory signed and conferred this honor before leaving office.

The ceremony was held in the North Carolina House Chambers on January 12, 2017, with the award presented in a ceremony for Rev. LeRoy and his family by the Speaker of the House, the Honorable Tim Moore.

Rev. LeRoy received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, which is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor. It is awarded to persons who have made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina through exemplary service to the state and its communities. Each recipient has served for 35+ years in the state.

Recipients of this award are usually business persons, and recognition of Rev. LeRoy’s ministry makes it an even greater honor. Among the recipients, you will find familiar names of the following North Carolinians: Maya Angelou, Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, and Michael Jordan – just to name a few. Other honorary notables are Shirley Chisolm, Gerald R. Ford, John Glenn, Coretta Scott King, and William H. Rehnquist.

Following is the introduction given by the Speaker:

“I am honored and proud to pay respect to a distinguished citizen of our great state–a true leader with a servant’s heart–Rev. Daniel Eugene LeRoy.

Rev. Leroy has positively influenced the lives of countless people through his 44 years of service in the Christian ministry. He began his ministry in 1972 and has served congregations in Asheboro, Hertford, and Chapel Hill, but his highly regarded shadow spans our state and nation.

On July 10, 2016, the rev. Dan LeRoy was formally honored upon his retirement as district superintendent of the North Carolina East District of The Wesleyan Church. In this role he provided effective and progressive leadership and distinguished himself as a leader in the promotion of diversity and racial reconciliation among nearly ninety churches under his supervision. Several new multi-ethnic congregations were established under his direction.

Noted for his profound commitment to young people, Rev. Leroy has given 40 years to deep commitment and support of victory mountain youth camp, a vital ministry that impacts thousands of children and youth. His greatest influence though has been on his own three sons who are involved in their own ministries of significance.

Dan LeRoy is a distinguished alumni of Asbury Theological Seminary and has faithfully served for 15 years on the board of trustees of Southern Wesleyan University. He has been a member of the General Board of Administration for the Wesleyan denomination for 12 years.

Rev. Daniel Eugene LeRoy is to be commended and applauded for 44 years of unparalleled service and leadership to the North Carolina east district of The Wesleyan Church and his ministry in the great state of North Carolina.”