Zachary Kyle McMahan

He was born on March 24th, 1993 in Peoria, IL to Jenifer (Hines) Carr and Reagan McMahan.

Zachary was a force of nature - wild, loud, charismatic, and always the funniest person in the room. He lived passionately, was resilient, unapologetically himself, and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was larger than life - rarely quiet and never boring. He easily turned ordinary moments into memories people would carry with them forever, and beneath his big personality was a genuine, kind heart. He had a gift for making people feel like family, and everyone who knew him can agree that some of life’s best moments had Zac in them.

Zac has always been an incredibly hard worker. Starting young, he began helping his grandparents deliver newspapers door to door for Peoria Journal Star, then later volunteering his time at Peoria Zoo. At 21, he moved from Illinois to North Carolina in search of new opportunities. He became a true jack of all trades, trying many different jobs and always willing to learn something new. Along the way, Zachary found work he genuinely enjoyed working alongside people who became great friends, while aspiring to one day start his own business - a concrete curbing company he would name “Bold Borders”.

Above all else, Zachary cherished being a father. His children were his greatest joy, his proudest accomplishment, and the love he had for them was boundless. Through the stories, memories, and love of everyone who knew Zac, they will always know just how extraordinary their dad was, but most importantly, they will know how deeply their dad love them.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Jenifer Carr; and his paternal grandparents, Nancy and Roy McMahan.

He is survived by his son, Kai McMahan; his daughter, Ivy McMahan; their mother, Andrea McMahan; his father, Reagan McMahan; step father, Kurt Carr; his three sisters, Alyssa (Brant) Carr, Zoie (Ethan) McMahan, and Brooke Marx; his two brothers, Ethan (Camy) McMahan, Christopher Robertson, and his maternal grandmother, Charlotte Schmidt. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends.

Zachary had a way of making life more fun, more memorable, and a little louder. His sudden absence will be felt in countless ways - in the places he should be, the milestones he should witness, and the moments we wish we could share with him. His time with us was far too short, but having loved him was a gift we will carry forever.

Celebration of Life arrangements are being planned for the end of September, and will be announced by the family.