Have not had contact with Ric since he moved from North Raleigh. Ric was my next door neighbor in North Raleigh in the mid 80's. I went back to college at age 35...15 years removed from Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, statistics, and decision science. Ric took the time to help me at home after his long days teaching at WTCC. He showed me how all this worked in the real world.  His upbeat jovial spirit was uplifting. It appeared his reward was seeing me think through the problems...break them down...and solve them for myself.
I owe my increased earning power to Ric....graduated 4th in my class from the Business School at NC Central University 1985  Ric congratulated me.  I appreciate him to this day.
Ric will be missed by me and all my family.  A friend and neighbor to us all.

The world will definitely be a sadder place without Ric. I worked as the secretary in the Math Department at WTCC during the late 90's. Ric always kept the stresses of teaching in perspective. A day didn't pass without something witty or downright funny from Ric. He was truly a pleasure to work with. I also wound up being a student of his. I don't think I would have made it through calculus otherwise. Somehow he never ran out of patience for the mathematically challenged.  I heard it as a staff member and experienced it as a student. Loving thoughts to his family.

I posted this after Ric's service, and decided to add it here for you and the kids Cindy.  Ric was a one-of-a-kind guy, I never heard him say an unkind word, and he always added wit to any course discussion.  Even now, it's still hard to realize he is no longer teaching with us.  I hope you are all finding peace and comfort with his memories.

Today, the Wake Tech Math & Physics Department had to say their final goodbyes to a coworker who gave 32 years of his life to teaching the students in this area. Ric Sexton was a husband, father, son, uncle, and wonderful friend to all who knew him. His wit, positive attitude, and easy going approach to life will be missed by us all. R.I.P. Ric, our lives are better for having known you.

I had Mr. Sexton for Algebra this semester. He and I worked closely to get me to the point of improvement. I am now doing much better in the class, and I owe it all to him. I'm so sorry that he couldn't be here to see the whole class succeed as I am doing, and I'm even more sorry for his family's loss. Please know his students cared too. He will be missed.

I was just a student in his college algebra class at Wake Tech, but when I read the  news of his passing, I wept. He was the kind of teacher and person to help you with anything even if it meant taking his free time to help with math problems and chat about life. His class would be the last math class I had to take in order to move on to a university. He is the last math teacher that I will remember each time I see numbers. To his family, I wish for peace and joy in the years to come. I pray that God will bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms.

Dearest Cindy, Sean and Erin, we are so saddened to hear of your loss of your dear husband and dad! We remember fondly all those soccer games  from Sean and Dylan's  kindergarten days until high school graduation! We spent many many weekends on those fields together! We always felt so comfortable with Dylan spending the night because of the caring ways of your family ! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! RIP Ric.

I was lucky to be in Mr. Sexton's class this semester. He was a great teacher, and I was hoping to be able to take future classes with him. I will miss the care and patience he had for every one of his students. He will always stick out in my mind as being one of the few teachers that could make math understandable to me. I will certainly miss him.

I met Ric when I joined the Wake Tech Math Dept. family in 1994. He was such a special man-compassionate and so sharp-witted. In those early years, we had special going-away gatherings for instructors leaving our department. I always loved working with Ric on "the twenty reasons you're gonna be sorry you left Wake Tech" for each person. I wish I had kept copies of those, but they always included attendance forms, grade sheets, five/ten-year pens, etc.
I'm adding the last picture I took(and I've taken many over the years!) of Ric and Cindy after his promotion to Associate Professor Feb.6,2014.When I sent a copy to Ric, he said he still preferred his CHIMP rank of Generalissimo!   He will be missed.
Love to the family,
Ann Lawrance

Mr.Sexton was my college algebra teacher this semester.  He always made me feel comforted and confident that I could be successful in his class.  We were starting to have private tutoring sessions when he suddenly passed away, and I will miss his teaching style and ability.  He was very kind hearted and always made sure his class understood what we were going over.  His caring heart and mind will truly be missed.

I had the privilege of sharing an office with Ric for the past 6-7 years on the North Campus.  There were not many days that his quick wit did not have me laughing.  Sometimes, John would step in our door and ask what we were up to.  There were always students coming by for help.  Instructors stopped by to ask questions about courses he had taught, because he had taught them all.  He always stopped what he was doing to help. It will be quiet in our office now.  
I will miss him!  I do not know how I will get to class on time.

Ric was my trigonometry instructor when I was a student at Wake Tech and when I started working at Wake Tech I was happy to run into him at a Professional Development conference. He was one of my favorite teachers and he will be missed.

Ric had a true gift for teaching.  Our Disability Support Services students at Wake Tech who were fortunate to have him as their instructor gleaned so much knowledge from him and benefited from his patience and encouragement. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.

Cindy,Rick and I were school mates and friends from elementary to high school.During our high school years,we shared many good times in our classes,our sports activities and esp. in chorus class.unfortunately we went our own different directions as many high school students tend to do.I was glad to see that he was a career educator as this was also my chosen  career.i want to express my condolences to you and your children in the loss of your loved husband and father.I am sure that he touched many lives and will be truly missed.        Steve Greene,CDHS class of 1966,Lexington,NC

Mr. Sexton was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed! RIP. My heart breaks for his family!

Your Student,
David

Mr. Sexton was a fantastic teacher. I was enjoying and learning so much in his class this semester. He was very patient when their were misunderstandings, and was always cheerful and available to help during office hours.

I'm thankful for his investment in me and all the other students at Wake Tech. Prayers for his family and friends.

Rick, I look forward to seeing you at our next CASL soccer game with Sean and Andrew. Our times together at those games were the best and I will never forget them or you. Thank you!

Cindy..I am so sorry to hear about Ric. You have my deepest sympathy. I will miss the conversations I had with Ric...always about his family. Cathy (Premium Imports)

As a student of his, I didn't know Mr. Sexton on a very personal level. However, just from attending his class every day I could tell what kind of person he was and that he was a great human being. Mr. Sexton was always helpful and genuinely cared about his students' success. He was a great instructor but an even better person and he will be missed.

Mr. sexton was one of my best teachers i ever had. his death was a very shocking news, i couldn't believe for a while but may his soul rest in peace forever. not only as teacher but as a person also he was a very very nice man and therefore he is going to be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mr. Sexton was one of our substitutes for math, as well as one of the math teachers who worked with me in the stem lab. He was a very intelligent and kind man who made quite an impact on me even though he wasn't my teacher. He had a way about his teaching that made even the most difficult math concept look easy. He was a very kind and compassionate man who just seemed to want to pass on his joy for math. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but i am so happy i was able to know him. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

So sorry to hear this news.  The Sexton and Wake Tech families are in my prayers.  I enjoyed working with Ric.  I know he will be greatly missed!

Erin, I send my condolences and prayers to you and your family for your loss.
Jimmy Bateman

It was an honor and a privilege to know Ric. He was an instructor in the Math & Physics Department for many years before I came to Wake Tech. I observed his teaching and knew him to be an engaging and truly dedicated teacher. With his historical perspective, he provided a solid foundation for me and new faculty, helping us to settle in and not get too excited about change. His office was always full of students and he was always available to them. He gave his full participation in college initiatives and projects. He offered thoughtful ideas and good humor along the way. We all benefited by knowing him.

When students are young they usually don't appreciate the math, English and other subjects 'traumatic work load' required to pass a course. In later life. when working and raising a family, reality sets in and the 'aha' realization moments of subject lessons past arrives. You have created a lot of 'aha' moments.
God Bless.

Ric was my mentor when I started at Wake Tech 20 years ago. His wit and humor were remarkable and whenever I had students in my class who had Ric as a teacher in a previous course, the students would simply rave about him. He not only explained the material so expertly, but also kept them entertained with his sense of humor.

I also wanted to share a couple of moments in my shared history with Ric.

First, there was the infamous CHIMP (Committee to Help Integrate Mathematics and Physics) initial Friday afternoon meeting. We were trying to come up with a name for the grant proposal for integrating mathematics and physics late on a Friday afternoon and Ric was instrumental in steering us from a safe, conventional title to the CHIMP moniker. I can almost see him in his low key way urging us on with a "I'm sure that will go over really well with the NSF grant evaluators."

Second, I remember being at a department party when Erin was young - I think we were at a place with a pool - and Ric started explaining some concept. I don't remember the topic, but he started off explaining things to her correctly and concretely. He then slowly but surely started to embellish the explanation and segue into the land of silliness. Erin's expression went from comprehending, to doubting, to downright exasperation and she finally exclaimed "DAD!!!" 

Ric was famous for his droll tangents into the land of absurdity and I will miss his singular wit. 

RIP

I am student at Wake Tech currently taking Mr. Sexton's math class.  He was an amazing professor who cared for his students.  He knew how to keep a smile on your face and always made my favorite subject enjoyable. You could always count on him to be there for help and further explanation of things.  I walked in to class to find Mr. Sexton not there and to hear this sad news really broke my heart.  He will truly be missed and I am so thankful to have been in his presence.  May his legacy continue to live on.  Gone but never forgotten! RIP MR. SEXTON !

The professor will be greatly missed. He was a bright light for the many souls that followed him.

I pray for you, Ric's family and closest friends, and all of us who were privileged to know Ric.  I knew of him through NCMATYC, and then got to work with him at Wake Tech.  Loved his humor, willingness to share, always learning.  He was open to new ideas and technology, while also keeping things in perspective. Ric would do anything asked for the good of the students, faculty, and our College.  He also kept us honest, and laughing at so many things, including  the alphabet of institutional life such as DNE for NA, and which FA are we talking about? The saddest letters are RIP, rest in peace to a wonderful colleague.  Ric is one who kept us grounded, as Dept Head I depended on him for insight and steady responses to any challenges.  I was so thrilled when he said he expected to work longer and so would continue with the Faculty Rank promotions, that meant we would have him leading and guiding us for years. He didn't work for a title, of course, he loved engaging with students and helping them, but  I'm so glad that his work led to being honored as part of the first group of professors at Wake Tech. Our Associate Professor Sexton will be greatly missed.

Mr sexton was an amazing teacher and person. I took 3 classes with him, and never had a problem. RIP  -MariamZ

Ric was a great friend and we has many wonderful times together.  He is, I think, not exceeded in his support of Wolfpack athletics, especially football, having missed only 2 football games in the entire history of Carter Finley Stadium.  I have many fond memories of the good times we shared at football games, and most importantly, the Tailgates that preceded and sometimes even followed the games.  Ric was also fond of classical music and we enjoyed much of that at Meymandi Hall in Raleigh and Symphony Lake in Cary with members of Ric's and my family.  

Ric was exuberant and spread that Good Karma to all he touched.  Never angry, perhaps not happy about the outcome of a game but there was always the next time.  My favorite memory of him was one of the times we traveled to College Park Maryland to support the Wolfpack football team as they took on the Maryland Terrapins.  So up we went, and this particular time the Wolfpack played well and disappointed all the Maryland fans in the stadium.  So, back to North Carolina, with Wolfpack flags flying from both windows, and what does Ric put into the CD Player and played in its entirety during our long trip back?  None other than the Symphony #9 of Beethoven, although known formally as the "Choral" symphony, is best known as "Ode to Joy".  Now, in case you do not know, that is an entire CD, as the definition of what the size of a CD is is that which will play the 9th Symphony on one side, no more, no less.

Anyone who talked with Ric became aware of two things about him: a very quick wit, and a great sense of humor. That sort of humor that he would sometimes go out of his way to create.  The one that gives me the biggest laugh is how he "reported" that class time lost to snow was made up for, as we are required to do.  In the early days of that, and I will not reveal who gave him this idea, but he put on the form that the time was made up by "Talking Louder and Faster."  Well, our Dean got a big kick out of that, and even though this was not exactly the "Make-up Methodology" that was being looked for, when she announced Ric's somewhat non-orthodox method for make-up, everyone indeed got a hoot out of it.  I still laugh at that. 

This gives one an idea of how Ric lived his life, taking in all he could with gusto and enthusiasm. Although most sadly cut short, he indeed did live life to the fullest.

As we say in the Navy, Fair Winds and Following Seas My Friend, May We Meet Again.

Ted Maynard
Cary, NC

I had Mr. Sexton for part of semester at WakeTech and occasionally I would go by his office for math help. He was always friendly and willing to help. I know from many of the students that he was well liked, very knowledgable, respectful to everyone and loved his work. I was so shock and sad to hear of his sudden passing. He will be missed by so many. I am glad I got to know him and he has made an impression on me that I hope will show when I am teaching. I think a lot of people have a little Prof. Sexton in them too.

"Mr. Sexton was an awesome teacher; his sense of humor was just out of the ordinary. Teaching was surely part of him. Thanks"

Professor Sexton was a great teacher and a great human being. He will be missed. -Matt U.

I was a student of Mr. Sexton over the Summer of 2013.  I took Calculus III with him & I'll always remember the trick he taught us of how to think in 3-dimensions by starting at the corner of a room... Such a simple concept but it completely changed the lens I used to conceptualize calculus & physics.  He's a special man; I'm grateful to have a piece of him to carry around with me.

Ric was always so incredibly warm and kind to me during my childhood. He was a thoughtful man that did a incredible job raising his 2 children. Sean being one of my childhood best friends I spent a lot of time with the sextons family. They are very fond memory's indeed. I will always remember Ric as a great man filled with many admirable traits. May the sexton family remain strong.  God speed

Ric,
was a wonderful friend....He was always very supportive to me....I had a stroke in Nov. He hugged me and gave me words of support.. I will NEVER FORGET...I will TRULY MISS HIM.....I am a STATE FAN TOO.....GOD BLESS YOUALL FOR SHARING HIM WITH US......Thank You...

Mr. Sexton was a devoted teacher, besides being a very likable person. I loved when he used to say, "close but no cigar," when we wrongly guessed the answer to his questions in class. My thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Cindy, Sean, Erin, Aunt Bertie, Sexton, and Christina:  We are so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to express how our hearts ache for you. Ric loved you dearly. I remember how he and Uncle Maurice lived for Saturdays with the Wolfpack! And they passed that joy to Sean! He will be missed....
(Cousins) Sheila (Everhart) and Carl Yaeger
Overland Park, Kansas

My condolences to the family and close
friends.  I remember Ric when we were 
young kids and played baseball together.

Ric was always ready to make us smile with his wit and warmth. As a fellow (English)instructor, I know how dedicated he was to his students.  I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Prayers go out to the Sexton family. I only knew him for a short amount of time, but he was a great professor. He cared deeply for his students and excelled in his career. I'm thankful that he got to share his life with others and inspire his students. He will be deeply missed.

It was a joy being able to learn from Professor Sexton. He was great at his job and always had a sense of humor that made all his students laugh. We will all remember him. To his family, on behalf of his students, accept our dearest condolences. Thank you for everything professor.

On behalf of the Wake Tech CC Business and Public Services Technology Division, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sexton family during this time. Ric will be missed! Walter Martin

My heart is with the Sexton family during this difficult time. Mr. Sexton was a wonderful and enthusiastic teacher loved by his students. I learned a lot from him, and appreciated his support in class. He will be greatly missed.

Ric was a great asset to the Math Department and Wake Technical Community College. He will be missed!

Cynthia - I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.  May all the happy memories give you comfort and strength. 
Gloria Garton (Wilmington,NC)

In behalf of the staff of the ILC Math Center (Main Campus), condolences and prayers to the family of Maurice Sexton, Jr.

Dear Sexton Family   , thank you for sharing Ric with us and  for his  32 years of  outstanding teaching and service to  Wake Tech and our students !  Ric's  efforts  changed the lives of thousands of students. He will be missed by faculty , staff  and students at WTCC !

Thanks for being a Good Person all the time.

Uncle Ric was a fun-loving uncle, backup dad when I was living closer to him and Aunt Cindy than to my own parents, and an enthusiastic teacher to everyone around him in every situation.  He'll be sorely missed.

Thank you Ric for being such a positive role model and a giver - an unselfish human being.  Thanks especially for being such a support and special person for my youngest brother Andrew.  We all love you!

My Condolences to the Sexton family. Ric Sexton was a wonderful man. It was jaw dropping when I heard the news. He was an amazing professor who would help any student. I will always remember how he would smile and brighten up any room he went in to. 
El Maley Rachamim:
God full of mercy who dwells on high. Grant perfect rest on the wings of Your Divine Presence, In the lofty heights of the holy and pure who shine as the brightness of the heavens to the soul of Ric Sexton.  who has gone to his eternal rest as all his family and friends pray for the elevation of his soul. His resting place shall be in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, the Master of mercy will care for him under the protection of His wings for all time, and bind his soul in the bond of everlasting life. God is his inheritance and he will rest in peace and let us say Amen.

Son, brother, husband, dad, friend, teacher, leader, coach, philosopher, humorist, listener, passionate, Wolf Packer extraordinaire.  What amazing impact Ric had in every role he filled in this life.  Family, friends, NC State and his students will be his most cherished legacies.

Sexton family my thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I am so thankful I got to know Ric & know he enjoyed life and loved doing for others especially his family. He was a fine person & will be missed by all that new him.

May Ric's light continue to shine for all those who's life he touched, most of all, his students.

Cynthia, Sean and Erin, I am praying for you all as I know exactly what you are going through. I just went through the same, 3 months ago to the day. Please call me if there is anything I can do. God is your strength and your foundation. Cynthia,  please call me. I might be able to give you some guidance for what is ahead. I know what is in your near future.

Cynthia and family..I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin this newest part of your journey. Peace be with You, Karen Wagner

One thing that always stands out in my memories of Uncle Ric is his warm sense of humor. We shared a passion for sports, but more than I remember any conversation about basketball I remember that he was always warm, friendly and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed . . .

Ric was an inspiring and dedicated math instructor. His gifts for encouraging students and talents in STEM will be remembered by all who were privileged to work with him on projects and in classes.  My sympathies and prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time.

For Dad, From Son

We're all in a circus,
we're jugglers, see?
A million little balls in the air.

We try to keep so many
floating and flying
We don't realize, just accumulate more
as time goes on
more and more.

We all do more, but nobody sees
how much each of us is juggling
until someone falls
and the rest of the world
struggles to pick up the sudden slack
Ever stretching and catching
as new balls keep falling
unseen until seeing or necessity dictate.

The surrounding acts keep spinning their plates
while the crowd doesn't even seem to see
and so the near few
who struggle to continue
find a path through the falling
as if madly flailing
while the balls keep dropping
like flies.
But the show, somehow, must go on.

OBITUARY

Maurice Cheek Sexton Jr.

February 5, 1948 – March 22, 2014

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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