James Earl McMahan

James Earl McMahan, 85, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Born September 29, 1928 in Yancey County, NC, he was the youngest son of the late Carl Lee McMahan and Lora Johnson McMahan. Earl was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was a 26 year employee of Carolina Container, but Earl often joked that his first job was fishing at Lake James.He is survived by his second wife of 20 years, Pansy "Pat" McMahan of Morganton; children, DeLane McMahan of Morganton and Susan McMahan Birthisel and husband, Tim, of Asheville; step-daughters, Phyllis Powell of Morganton, Kathy Armstrong and husband, Craig, of Lincolnton, NC, and Debbie Smith and husband, Mike, of Belmont, NC; twin granddaughters, Elizabeth and Brittany McMahan of Morganton; and a step-sister, RoseMary Rhodes of Morganton.In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Joyce Clark McMahan; four brothers; and two sisters.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 3396 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.The family would like to say a special thanks to Zion Baptist Church and Oak Hill United Methodist Church for their faithful love and support. Also, a very special thanks to Burke Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.