Andrew Joseph "Andy" McMahon

Andrew Joseph "Andy" McMahon, born October 13, 1924, died May 3, 2024 in his home at the age of 99. Burial with Military Honors will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on May 16 at 1:00 pm. There will be graveside service.

Mr. McMahon was born in South Euclid, Ohio. He was the son of the late Martin Vincent McMahon and Lyda McGarrell McMahon. He graduated from Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, Ohio, where he was captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams. Due to his outstanding athleticism and team leadership, he was inducted in the Charles F. Bush High school Hall of Fame on February 11, 1977. He subsequently attended Montana State College, Bozeman, Montana, and John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.

An Army veteran of World War II, he served with the 70th Infantry Division in campaigns in the Rhineland-Ardennes-Alsace Central Europe. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with three Battle Stars. He was also bestowed the Legion of Honor and Rank of Knight by the French Consul General for his courage in the liberation of France in 1945.

Mr. McMahon diligently worked to preserve the historical accounts of those who fought for freedom in the second World War. As such, he coauthored a historical account of the 276th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion and E Company in a book titled Men and A Time Remembered. He also contributed to other publications on the 70th Infantry Division.

Mr. McMahon was an active leader in the community. He served as President of the 70th Infantry Division Association for 4 years and as Past President for 4 years. He was a member of the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 402, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 6 and Mended Hearts Chapter 189. He volunteered at Providence Hospital and raised notable funds for the American Heart Association. He was also a member of Columbia Country Club and served on the Board of Directors.

He was an avid golfer and member of the Men's Golf Association at Columbia Country Club and A1 Palmetto Golf group. He also supported the University of South Carolina and cheered on the Gamecocks with family. He worked for Associate Financial 19 years and retired from Chrysler Financial after 22 years.

Most importantly, however, he enjoyed a lifetime of adventures with his steadfast companion and the love of his life, Ema Dell. They delighted in each other for 70 years of marriage. He is survived by his beloved wife Ema Dell McMahon; sister-in-law, Grace McMahon, Sandusky, Ohio; Nephew, Gregory Parsons (Patti) Lexington, South Carolina, and their daughters Michelle Kelley (Jay) and children (Gus McMahon, Eloise May, Ema Dell and Jed), Lauren Mancke (Will) and children (Fox, Lera and Marigold) of Lexington, South Carolina; as well as many other nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews living in other States.

Mr. McMahon was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Winifred McMahon Jensen and husband Norman Jensen, Jr., brother, Martin V. McMahon, Jr., sister, Marie McMahon Parsons and husband Richard Parsons, brother, Robert J. McMahon and wife Ruth Smith McMahon, brother, Frank J. McMahon and wife Mildred DiSanto McMahon.

Mr. McMahon was an American hero, respected by all who knew him, and deeply loved by those who had the privilege to be his friend or family. At 6 foot 4 inches tall, he was a giant among men, both literally and figuratively. He had a memorable singing voice and previously enjoyed singing with his brothers. He will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. He personified a life well-lived and will be truly missed.

The family expresses gratitude to all who loved and cared for him. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wreaths Across America.

Honorary pallbearers include members of the Military Order of Purple Heart, 70th Infantry Division Association members and his golf foursome.