Harold McMahan

Harold McMahan, 83, of Sylva, passed away Friday December 26, 2025. He was born on November 17th, 1942, in Jackson County to the late Albert and Annie Martin McMahan.

Harold worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He served as the chief of police at the Sylva police Department for 28 of those years and 2 years as chief Deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Before his career in Law Enforcement, Harold served in the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Korean War.

Harold Enjoyed Hiking, Raising Cattle, and Gardening. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of locust field Baptist church where he served as a deacon. And served as a member of Gideons international for many years as well.

Harold is survived by his wife of 53 years Gail McMahan; sons, Chris McMahan, Dwight McMahan, Daughter Sherri Hartwell (Eric); Grandchildren, Miles McMahan, Abel Hartwell; sister, Hazel Saunders of South Carolina; Brother, Tommy McMahan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents Harold is preceded in death by brother, DC McMahan, Bill McMahan, Harry McMahan and his sister Hilda Broom.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Locust Field Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 1:00-2:00pm prior to the service at the church.