ELM CITY - Patrick "Chance" Emerson, age 41, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Born in Nash County on June 4, 1984, he was the son of the late Wendy Jo Bales Emerson.

Chance is survived by his daughters, Kayleigh Bakerman (Gavin) and Jaclynn Wicker; his father, Ralph Waldo Emerson (Susan); his brothers, Tracey Scott Pridgen (Kelli), Kristopher Brent Pridgen (Tammy), and Andrew Thomas Neville, III (April); and many extended family members.

A service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Rocky Mount with Rev. Mark Winstead officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, do what Chance would have done, share a smile and give someone a hug.