Samuel "Sam" James McMahan, Sr.

Samuel “Sam” James McMahan, Sr., 80, of Crossett, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022.  He was born on November 2, 1941, to his parents, Joseph and Virginia McMahan, was a lifelong resident of Crossett, and a member of Jarvis Chapel Baptist Church.

After graduating from Crossett High School, Sam served his country in the United States Army Reserve.  For forty-three years, Sam worked for Georgia Pacific as a beater room operator in the #2 mill.  He also coached Little League baseball for many years, and devoted much of his time to his church, including being a Training Union Director, a Sunday School teacher, and a RA (Royal Ambassador) leader.

Sam was a loving person who, above all, loved God.  He understood the importance of not only serving God but working in the church and especially raising his children in church.  He tried to live by scripture and was known to be both the peacemaker and encourager for his family.  He strived to be the best daddy he could to his children, but being a Christian father to them, was of the utmost importance. 

He loved his family and his neighbors.  He was a giver, more than a taker.  He adored family gatherings, hunting and fishing with his buddies, drinking coffee with his friends at Andy’s, and cheering on the Razorbacks.

He had many names.  He was often called “Sambo” or “Sam Baby” by his girls’ friends, “Papaw Sam” by his beloved grandchildren, and his most esteemed title, a child of God.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Howard and Virginia Farrish McMahan. 

He leaves behind his wife and best friend of forty-five years, Kaye Smith McMahan; one son, Samuel “Chip” McMahan, Jr. (Rachel) of Destrehan, LA; and three daughters, Patricia Hall (Billy) of Taylorsville, MS, DeeDee Smith (Eric) of Crossett, and Stephanie Craig (Reagan) of Hamburg; along with four siblings, Frank McMahan (Mary) also of Crossett, Gary McMahan (Sharon) of Bella Vista, AR, Ruth Morgan (Jerry) of Milan, TN, and Pat Burke (Leonard) of Monticello; ten grandchildren, Kenzie Rosen (Nick), Hunter Smith (Bri), Kaylah Selman (Jay), Lance Smith, Kolby Pippen (Amber), Abby, Caitlynn, and Remy McMahan, and Tyler Wehrlin and Gabriel Pierre; and three great-grandchildren, Gentry and Jackson Pippen, and Bella Smith, and soon to make her appearance, Quinn MacKenzie Selman.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 12th at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W in Crossett with Bro. Ray Hearron and Bro. Lloyd Gibbs, officiating followed by interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Hunter Smith, Lance Smith, Kolby Pippen, Nick Rosen, Jay Selman, and Steve McMahan.  Honorary pallbearers are Heath King, his nephews, the team members and coaches of Sam’s little league teams, the Andy’s coffee drinking club, and his hunting and fishing buddies.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Medders Funeral Home.

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