Richard "Rick" Alan McMahon
June 23, 1952 - September 6, 2024
Richard Alan McMahon “Rick”, age 72, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024. Born in Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1952 to Lenora Jeanne and Harry Joseph McMahon, Rick was raised in Vienna, Virginia, graduating in 1970 from James Madison High School. It was a baseball scholarship that brought him to North Carolina to play for the East Carolina Pirates from 1970-1974 as the catcher, being named captain his senior year. Rick earned his BA in Political Science, Master’s Degree in Education and his Education Specialist Degree from ECU. He met his love for the rest of his life, Shirley Bledsoe at ECU. They were married on his birthday in 1974, and were filled with gratitude that this year’s anniversary was their 50th.
Rick spent his professional career in education, beginning as the baseball coach and social studies teacher at Southern Nash Senior High School, home of the Firebirds. After the birth of his two children, Katie and Patrick, he moved into school administration, first at Nash Central Junior High, then as Principal of Benvenue Middle, and Southern Nash Junior High. In 2000, his service and leadership transitioned into Central Office roles for the Wilson County Schools. When offered the position of Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Schools in 2005, Rick joyfully and energetically accepted, devoting the remainder of his career to the students, staff, parents, and communities within, telling his wife that “I’ve always thought that a person should use his position in life to improve, to make things better, for other people.” He lived his belief every day.
After retiring in 2011, Rick chose to continue to volunteer with the United Way Tar River Region as his outlet to serve and lead, having been named to the Board of Directors in 2011 while Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Schools. In 2018 he received the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Rick served as President of the United Way Tar River Region since 2022, championing the work to improve lives in the area.
While Rick loved going to work and took pride in the impact of the United Way in our area, he found joy in personal outlets, as well. Being outside was his energy source. He loved to play golf, enjoying the camaraderie shared with friends and family even more than a good score. Working to make his lawn beautiful was an endeavor he embraced, whether it was pushing a mower, trimming hedges, or making the perfect edge. After retirement Rick, always a doodler, became seriously interested in painting, taking art classes at Wilson Community College. His creations revealed a natural talent that had been waiting for expression. He thoroughly loved having season tickets to the Broadway shows at DPAC. Music was a part of Rick’s soul, especially classic rock which woke him up, then put him to sleep daily.
Education, work, community activities, and hobbies all come from the heart, but the heart itself beats to the rhythm of family and friends, and Rick treasured every one. Hosting the McMahon family Christmas was his gift to the family he cherished dearly. Rick is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughter and son-in-law Katie Lauren and Judson McMillan, and their daughters, Grayson Parker and Anna Wade; and, his son Patrick Ryan and his children, Finley Marie and Harrison Vincent. Rick’s mother Jeanne McLaughlin McMahon, brothers Joe and wife Debbie, and Brian and wife Bridget, and sisters Maureen, Kathleen, and Colleen and her husband Brian survive him, as does sister-in-law Barbara Farmer and her husband Ron. His father, Harry McMahon passed away in 2020. Brother-in-law Gray Trimble preceded Rick’s passing in 2015.
Rick especially appreciated the cards, calls, visits, messages, and prayers shared with him during his illness. Each one made a difference and he and his family were grateful for them. Should you wish to make a memorial dotation in Rick’s memory, please consider the United Way Tar River Region, 2501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
A private family burial will be held at a later date in Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
