Richard "Rick" Alan McMahon
June 23, 1952 ~ September 6, 2024
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ROCKY MOUNT – 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.
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Herman and I (Shirley) are sending our sincere condolences to Ms. Shirley and their family.
Rick the walker…an AWESOME neighbor who always had a kind word. Rick would often ask me how he could help us whenever Herman wasn’t well. His kindness will always be remembered. 🙏
To the dear family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Death is so hard especially the first year. Just having lost my father, try to reminisce often, as cherished memories – oh what a true gift!
Allow friends to help – even in the smallest way! Many times they just don’t know what to say but want to be there, even if to just sit in silence, so you know they care.
But the greatest help comes from the promise at Acts 24:15!
Also, the book of John, Christ talks about the time in the future when he will restore their life, back here on earth – then he did it with Lazarus – so we are assured!
May you be surrounded with much love today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead!
I am sorry the McMahon family has suffered a loss. I am thinking of you, Mrs. McMahon( my teacher). #c/o 1991
🙏🙏🙏Praying for family and friends. Worked with Rick at NRMS and he was a great principal for students and staff. Thank you for a decade of keeping a safe and learning enviroment for staff and students. Thank you for giving me an opportunity for teaching the computer lab and the Chill Out program. I’m so thankful our paths crossed.
🙏🙏🙏Praying for family and friends. Worked with Rick at NRMS and he was a great principal for students and staff. Thank you for a decade of keeping a safe and learning enviroment for staff and students. Thank you for giving me an opportunity for teaching the computer lab and the Chill Out program. I’m so thankful our paths crossed.
I will forever be grateful to this man right here. He heard my cry, when there was a layoff for TAs . I didn’t know how I was going to take care of my girls, But , this man saved my job. Take your rest sir. My condolences to the family ❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with the family I was in his class his first year he taught I thought he was the nicest teacher I had ever had he ended up being my daughter principle so he has been a major part of my family may God give the family the strength to endure today and the days to come
Q: How did you meet Richard?
A: Mr. McMahon was my middle school principal, and his wife my high school teacher. I extend my sincere prayers to their entire family.
Jeanine and I are so sorry for your loss. We pray that you and the children will comforted by God’s blessing and the lasting memory of Rick’s love and devotion.
Mrs. McMahon, I am sorry to hear about Mr. McMahon. Shannon loved and thought so much of Mr. McMahon. I understand your emotions and encourage you to lean on your faith in Jesus, family, and friends! I am praying for you.
Love, Carey, Hannah, Emma Grace, and Seth Davis
Jackie and I send our very best to all of Rick’s family. You have lost a very good man, and our prayer is that you quickly find peace. Shirley, you two were a great team. Cherish those memories. Prayers up for all of you.
Shirley my heart breaks for you and your family. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart.
Shirley and Family, Lois and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. Rick was a great friend and neighbor to us and will be greatly missed! I will never forget Rick sharing his cell# with me when I was starting my battle with cancer several years ago, when he was The Superintendent of the Nash/Rocky Mount Schools, he told me to call him anytime I needed anything, It meant a lot to me especially knowing how busy he must be in his job, this was the way Rick always was trying to help and support others. Rick was “The Santa Claus” to our neighborhood “Waterford” he was President of our Neighborhood Association and selflessly always giving of hisself in so many roles improving our neighborhood signs, landscaping, looking out and caring for each and every person, rolled in the trash carts for others(without them knowing who)even picked up the trash on Jeffries Road to improve our City! Rick was always so positive and encouraging and full of life! He frequently walked for exercise and set an example for all in so many ways! ! He always had the most beautiful yard and at Christmas Time he always set the pace of decorating that we all tried to keep up with! We always looked forward to see and feeling all the joy that radiated from His Home during his “Family Christmas Gatherings” We will truly miss but will never forget these and many more very valued times and conversations with Rick! Rick has truly made this a better world and he will be in our thoughts forever! Shirley Lois and I will be praying for You and Your Family, We Love You, Fred & Lois
Mrs. McMahon and family, I along with some of the others came from Southern Nash Jr & Sr High School. I met him at Southern Sr during 1975-1976. He was always so nice to all of the students. I don’t know about the others, but I always felt I could have a serious talk with him if I needed too and I felt like he would listen, and he would really care about the outcome and/or the result. I am deeply, deeply sorrow for your loss and I am sorry for the loss any student will suffer because he was a good man and the students loved him. When I was at Southern, it was him and Mr. Knuckles. Mr. Knuckles was principal and Mr. McMahon was vice-principal the best I can remember. If he wasn’t, (been a long time ago), we sure respected him as vice-principal. My prayers are with you all during this very difficult time and may God grant you peace, comfort, and strength when you need them the most only God can give. I know it is hard but when you can remember he is just a breath away from joining him. He is waiting and he will be there “On The Other Side of Jordan, Drawing Pictures in the Sand.”
Sincerely,
Cheryl Chadwick Landin
1975-1976
My first principal in Nash County Schools that made me a better educator! Rest in peace.
Rick leaves a legacy of service and dedication to be admired. Yet, no matter the position he held, he was always a genuine & honorable gentleman and friend. I feel blessed to have known him. Sending blessings to the family that he cherished….🙏🏻
On behalf of the Nash County Board of Education, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rick McMahon. His leadership and dedication as Superintendent left a lasting impact on our schools and community. We are forever grateful for his service and commitment to education. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Dr. LaShawnda Washington, Chair
I loved having him as my principal in southern Nash Junior high. He went over and beyond to me my special needs and I will always remember him for that. Rest easy now Mr McMahon. You will always be missed and loved. I would like to say to the whole family you are in my thoughts and my prayers in this time of loss. I am so sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Q: How did you meet Richard “Rick”?
A: He was the baseball coach at Southern Nash I also had a class there. May peace be with families at this time ❤️🌹🙏
I remember Rick from OLGC days when he was my first crush… and boyfriend. My best friend Pauline Foley had a crush on Joey. At lunch one day, (Dourth Grade, I think?) they both came up to us and dropped to one knee to present us with bubblegum cigar wrapper “rings”for us to wear. Such chivalry!
I never lost the special place in my heart for him, though we neverofficially dated as young adults.
RIP Rick!!
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May his memory bring you comfort and strength.
Mr McMahon was my middle school principal. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Mr. McMahon was my middle school principal at Southern Nash Middle School. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Sending prayers to your family.
Mr. McMahon was one of my former principals. He will be truly missed. My heart felt condolences to his family for such a time as this 🙏🏾
There is no finer person than Rick McMahon. His is a tremendous loss to Shirley and all his family and friends. He will be so missed.
With Our Deepest Sympathy
I lived in Spring Hope beside Rick and Shirley for a little while. So sorry to hear this.
With love and deepest sympathy-Peggy
Ricky, I met you in high school, you were dating a good friend of mine, Carol. You were always so nice, sweet, friendly and kind, and I will never forget you❤️
Stephanie Olds
We met Rick through his mom who is a neighbor. Such a genuine family man who adored his parents and took such great care of his mom after his dad passed. His mom was always excited when Rick was coming to visit as she is with all her children. Over the past months she has shared stories of him as a young man playing sports and meeting the love of his life thereby relocating to NC many years ago. She loved his passion for Christmas.
A wonderful man gone too soon from his family and friends. May God bless his family through this difficult time and live each day as Rick would want them to.
Thanks for all your support over the years.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
My sincere condolences to the family. Rick’s legacy is carved in stone! He will truly be missed!
May he rest in a place of brightness, where sickness and sorrow have passed away.
My high school memories are still vivid of how kind he was.
Memory eternal.
Louise Romanchak
Dear Shirley and the McMahon Family:
From our entire United Way family, words cannot express how devastated we are with the loss of Rick. His legacy of doing good and serving our community will have lasting, positive impact, and we are so very grateful that we could share in his life, his many kindnesses, and his passion to help others. His contributions to United Way and our community are immeasurable, and the lives he touched will have long-lasting effects. We wish for you peace in the coming days and please know that so many are lifting you up in thoughts, love, and prayers ~ Ginny Mohrbutter
Sorry for the lost of a well known man n principal my condolences 💐 🌹
He was my principal at Southern Nash Jr High! He was so sweet!
With sincere condolences
With deepest sympathy, love, & prayers,
I am so saddened to hear the news of Rick’s passing. I knew Rick from high school. He was always such a friendly, happy, and kind person. My condolences go out to all his family and friends. 💔
Mr. McMahon was 1975 Sociology teacher at Southern Nash senior high school. He was well like in my senior year. Rest in peace my brother, your work here on earth is done, get your angel wing. You will be truly missed. Formal student, Willie Baines.
Mr. McMahon will certainly be missed! He was a great teacher, coach, and boss. Prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Thinking of you during this time!
With all of our love and condolences to the beautiful McMahon family. May your Ricky Rest In Peace and remain forever in your hearts.
Condolences to all the McMahon family.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Rick was a true friend and my customer for many years. I enjoyed and appreciated his friendship. We had many good times at conferences with Rick and Shirley. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Joan and Carl Staley