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Sam Russell McMahan 1922 - 1973

Sam Russell McMahan was born on April 12, 1922 at Powdermill Road in Sevier County, Tennessee to John Wilson McMahan and Asa Evalina (Townsend), and had siblings William Clell McMahan and George Delmar McMahan. Sam McMahan died at age 50 years old on January 22, 1973 at Birds Creek Road, and was buried on January 25, 1973.

Sam Russell McMahan

Sevierville, Tennessee

April 12, 1922

Powdermill Road in Sevier County, Tennessee

January 22, 1973

Birds Creek Road in Sevier County, Tennessee

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Sam Russell McMahan Sam McMahan (1922 - 1973)

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Sam Russell McMahan's History: 1922 - 1973

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04/12

1922

Birthday

April 12, 1922

Birthdate

Powdermill Road in Sevier County, Tennessee

Birthplace

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Early Life & Education

Sam attended a tiny one-room school for about 6 weeks at a time in the fall-winter after harvesting was finished. It is said he only completed 3rd grade. He and his two brothers shared a slate board to write on, and their books were the ones their Mother used when she was in school. The math book was much more difficult than my algebra and other math books in high school and college.
Religious Beliefs

Sam's Grandfather founded Shady Grove Baptist Church, and was a Baptist minister. He had several Uncles and cousins who were preachers, or "preachermen". He belonged to Shady Grove all of his life and is buried in the cemetery.
Military Service

Sam was a veteran of World War II, joining the Navy in January of 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. He fought in the Pacific Theatre. He was Ships Cook.
Professional Career

Sam went to the CCC camp in Cades Cove in 1939-40. After Pearl Harbour was bombed in 1941, Sam spent Christmas at home with his Mother and family, then walked 50 miles to Knoxville in January to enlist in the Navy. there he became a Chef. After the war, Sam worked for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As that was seasonal work, usually from April-October, Sam spent the winter months working as a cook.
Personal Life & Family

Sam was a farmer. His cash crop was tobacco. This was a very labor-intensive crop, so when he wasn't working in the park, Sam was in the "tobacco patch". A good year meant good prices, bringing much needed cash to tide the family of 10 over for the winter. My Daddy, Sam, and my Mom, Zola, raised 8 children.
01/22

1973

Death

January 22, 1973

Death date

tractor accident

Cause of death

Birds Creek Road in Sevier County, Tennessee
Death location

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01/25

1973

Gravesite & Burial

January 25, 1973

Funeral date
Sevier County, Tennessee USA
Burial location
Obituary

Sam Russell McMahan was born April, 12, 1922, the second son of John Wilson (Clubfoot) and Asa Evalina Townsend McMahan. His Father died when he was 2 years old, leaving his Mother Asa to raise 3 young sons as well as 6 step siblings. They scrapped a living from farming; selling their produce in Knoxville. As the Great Depression neared, most of the 6 older children had married and moved away. Mother Asa, and her sons, Clell, Sam and George had to "make do" living off the farm. Sam joined the CCC Corp in 1939, working at Cades Cove. He joined the Navy in 1942, fighting in the Pacific Theatre until the end of the war. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1952 during the Korean War. He worked for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park until his death. He also worked as cook/chef in a number of restaurants in Gatlinburg throughout 1960's. He married Zola Eveline Whaley in 1952. They had 8 children, 5 girls and 3 boys. Daughters: Misses Brenda, Trina, Connie, Teresa, and Lisa McMahan. Sons: Archie, Kenny, Jimmy. Sam died on January 22, 1973 in an accident on his tractor. His funeral was January 25, 1973 at Atchley's Funeral Home. He is buried at Shady Grove Baptist Church cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee.

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Did you know?

Sam Russell McMahan lived 22 years shorter than the average family member when died at the age of 50.

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