Ray Vance McMahan

Ray Vance McMahan, age 85 of Burnsville, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. A native of Yancey County, he was born on January 13th, 1936 to the late Joe and Virgie McMahan. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Hilliard McMahan; infant daughter, Connie McMahan; sisters, Louise Allen and Katherine Shehan; brothers: James McMahan, Jerry McMahan and one infant brother.

Ray was a loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was his pride and joy. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1963. He went on to do his Savior’s work in Jamaica as a missionary. Then he and his wife, Doris, served as house parents at Broyhill Children’s Home is Clyde, NC, touching many young lives. He also worked several years at Banco Saw Mill in Burnsville before finally retiring to spend his time with his family. He was a hard worker, and enjoyed farming and gardening. He and Doris especially enjoyed their Sunday drives together.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Doris Hensley McMahan, of the home; son, Kenneth McMahan and wife, Melody, of Canton, NC; daughter, Brenda Jones of Burnsville; grandson, Jacob McMahan and wife, Taylor, of Canton, NC; granddaughter, Nicole Mathis and husband, Brandon, of Canton, NC; and six great-grandchildren: Elijah, Dallas, Justin, Gabriel, Logan, Griffin, Levi, and are awaiting the arrival of the seventh, Harley; sister, Wanda Franklin of Mars Hill, NC; brother, Ronnie McMahan of Mars Hill, NC.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, September 17th in the Hensley Family Cemetery on Prices Creek at 2 p.m. Reverends Clarence Ledford and Kenneth McMahan will officiate. Pallbearers will be Griffin Mathis, Gabriel Grindstaff, Logan Grindstaff, Levi Mathis, Brandon Mathis, and Jacob McMahan.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the McMahan family.

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