Edward Richard “Coach” Sykes, III, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Wendell, NC on Sunday, September 25, 2022.
He was born in Wake County on September 1, 1944, to the late Ed Sykes, Jr. and Margaret Underhill Sykes. Richard was a 1962 graduate of Fork Union Military Academy and 1968 graduate of NC State University. Richard was the NC State Head Men’s Golf Coach for 46 years, retiring in 2017. During his career, Richard was inducted into the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001 and received numerous ACC Coach of the Year recognitions. Richard led NC State to 24 NCAA Regional appearances, 12 NCAA Championships and the program's lone ACC title in 1990 during his tenure. Richard promised his golfers a golf course of their own for over 30 years, and in 2008 his dream (and longtime promise) finally came true, as he oversaw the completion of Lonnie Poole Golf Course.
After his retirement he continued to share his love for the game as he recently completed his 34th year of Wolfpack Golf School. Richard also spent time volunteering with the Barton College Golf team, teaching golf lessons, riding “Shug” around town and his daily breakfast outings with many special friends. Richard loved his family, friends, golfers, NC State University and his hometown of Wendell, NC. Richard recently celebrated the opening of the Wendell Museum where he was honored as one of Wendell’s notable natives.
Richard left a lasting impression on everyone he met with his compassion, but most of all his quick wit. His legacy will live on in the memories of those he loved and those who loved him.
Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years Pam “Shug” Sykes; his four children, David Sykes (Dawn), Rick Sykes (Kathy), Paige Sykes and Stacy Sykes Poole (Billy); his six grandchildren, Alison Jones (Chase), Cody Sykes, Samantha Sykes, Jack Sykes, Eddie Sykes, Justin Poole, and his nieces and nephews. Richard was proceeded in death by his late sister, Lynda Sykes Hull (Carl).
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 9th at Greenmount Cemetery, 536 W Academy Street, Wendell followed by a Celebration of Life at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum, 2411 Dunn Avenue, Raleigh at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Men’s Golf Enhancement Fund c/o Wolfpack Club, PO Box 37100, Raleigh NC 27627 or to the Wendell Christian Church, PO Box 874, Wendell NC 27591.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of E. Richard Sykes III, please visit our floral store.