Claude Mcmahan, Sr.

Mr. Claude “Cecil” McMahan, Sr., 95, of Winston-Salem, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021. He was born October 17, 1925 in Haywood County to Eula Gibson McMahan and Glenn Dills McMahan. Mr. McMahan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, aboard the USS Randolph, in the Pacific. He was a member of Memorial Reformed Church and retired from Hanes/ Sara Lee Corporation with 39 years of service. Cecil, better known as “Pappaw”, loved his family. He enjoyed Saturday lunches at the farm with the Davie County crew,  eating at The Rancho and mostly recently during quarantine, eating at home at “Dovie’s Diner”. He loved gardening and would bring his family and friends vegetables from his garden. He also loved rabbit hunting and to fish. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene Whitt McMahan; three sisters, Pauline Crews, Marie Disher and Edna Essex and two brothers, Otis McMahan and infant brother, Donald McMahan. Surviving are his two sons, Steven W. McMahan (Becky) of Mocksville and Claude “Buster” Cecil McMahan, Jr. of Winston-Salem; three grandchildren, Amy Vernon (Josh), Scott McMahan and Cassidy McMahan (Taylor); three great grandchildren, Dovie Vernon, Peyton McMahan and Blake McMahan and a sister on the way; a daughter-in-law, Peggy McMahan and a special dog, Kia who he loved to sneak food to.  The family would like to thank Senior Services’ Home Care, specifically Nina, Pam and Sandy and Trinity Elms Health and Rehab for their excellent care for Cecil. Many years ago Cecil helped start a scholarship fund for students in Wake Forest University’s Cardiac Rehab Program. This program was always special to him and has evolved into Wake Forest University’s HELPS Program (Healthy Exercise & Lifestyle Programs). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Cecil’s memory to Wake Forest University HELPS, Attn: Ashlyn Swafford, Director, P.O. Box 7628, Winston-Salem, NC 27109. Due to Covid restrictions, a private graveside service will be held for immediate family on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Parklawn Memorial Park Chapel of Faith with Rev. Christa Warise officiating.