Emery Lafayette McMahan, age 81, of the Towaliga community, passed away peacefully at the Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough, GA Sunday, October 4, 2015 after an extended illness. He was born Wednesday, May 23, 1934 in Gadsden, Alabama. Emery was the youngest child of the late K.K. and Liller Langley McMahan. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Woodson, Keebe, and Carl McMahan, and one sister, Caroline McMahan Cox.

Emery was a member of the Towaliga Baptist Church and a member of the Joy Sunday School Class. He was retired after 30 years with Eastern Airlines. He served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Crisis. After his military service, he attended the University of Georgia off Campus Center in Marietta, GA for three years studying business. Emery later attended the Atlanta Area Technical School four years specializing in automotive repair. He completed all phases of auto repair and was known as a superb diagnostician. Emery was a Master Mason and a member of the

F & AM Lodge 399 in Forest Park, GA for 58 years and received his 50 year award in July, 2007. He was a former member and Past Patron of Jeptha Chapter 252 Order of the Eastern Star, Jackson, GA.

Emery is survived by his wife of 59 years and 6 months, JoAnn Chesnut McMahan; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Keith and Terri McMahan, and their children, Dustin and Morgan, and Randall and Tempie McMahan, and their children, Kaylen and Dalton.

Funeral services for Emery McMahan will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Towaliga Baptist Church with Reverend Jay Sanders and Mr. Rudy Mangham officiating. Interment will follow at the Towaliga Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a contribution to the Towaliga Baptist Church, P.O. Box 674, Jackson, GA 30233. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfh.com

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College St., Jackson, is serving the McMahan family.