Sean Madison Fokes

Sean Madison Fokes Born December 27, 1960 taken suddenly December 2, 2020 Sean was a man of many talents and few words. His stoic, quiet nature could be perceived as distant, but he was always mindful, always paying attention and above all else always loving. When you were in his circle you knew it. He wouldn’t take any grief and he did not suffer fools. He loved in a way that was encouraging but knew the importance of boundaries. Fiercely protective of his wife, Sean always stood by her side and guided her and the family the best way he knew how. His umbrella of protection extended to all of his family, including his circle of long time friends. Sean had a huge love of music, it defined almost all the moments of his life. From meeting his wife to the many bands he was in, music always had a place for him. Milhouse, was probably the favorite of all the bands he played with. While they were well known for ending the night with Ziggy Stardust, it was Sweet Melissa, one of Sean’s signature songs, that the crowd always wanted to hear. They played all around Raleigh: Scooters, Five Points, Fat Daddy’s and beyond, each time the crowd would shout for Sweet Melissa. He even took his love of music online connecting with other music lovers in the Guitar Diner Group. He could spend hours in the garage tinkering and listening to music, it brought him so much joy. A man of endless curiosity it was no wonder Sean was an accomplished engineer. With a degree from NC State and a Green Building Engineering Certificate he was proud to go out in the world and make a difference. A graduate of High School, he went on to earn accolades from the Association of Energy Engineers, from NC State as the Pride of the Wolfpack, Think and Do the Extraordinary and was Recognized by the North Carolina Board of Examiners. His final job was at North Carolina State University, a homecoming for him and he loved it there. His curiosity did not stop with school, he loved old cars, guitars, drums, cooking and all animals. Constantly tinkering, Sean loved to fix any problem and he would toil away until he would figure out the root of the issue. A man of faith he also gave his time to the church. He helped his church covert all their old Beta Max and VHS to the more secure and longer lasting digital format. He became the archive master so as not to lose any of the important moments. And if you were lucky enough to be invited to his home, you would likely get to experience his amazing Southern Cooking. He perfected many recipes with his very own flair, some of the best being his sausage gravy and his oyster dressing. Sean will be missed by so many. He is survived by his wife Dorrine Davis Fokes and cat Major, his mother Coleen Belle Brock, Aunt and Uncle Mary and JB Slaughter, Son John Richardson (Amanda), Daughters Janelle Richardson Rukosky and Jessica Richardson, Granddaughters Naomi Rukosky and Loretta Richardson, Brother James C. Fokes III, Niece Chanda Fokes Maxwell and family and Cousin Brian Slaughter. He was preceded in death by his father, James C. Fokes Jr. A recorded memorial tribute will be posted on the Sean Fokes Memorial Facebook page. December 27th, his birthday.