Dave Alvin McGahan

Dave Alvin McGahan (Dad) also known far and wide as Pawpaw, was born on June 21,1936 in Pensacola, FL and was born again into the kingdom of God when he surrendered the rest of his life to Jesus on February 15, 1973. He departed this earth from Tallahassee, FL at midnight, August 12, 2025, to rejoin those who went before him: Wife Ellen Conley McGahan, Father James McGahan, Mother Gertrude Yother McGahan, Brothers A.C. Joseph & Jim McGahan, Sisters Georgia May Messick & one who died as an infant. He is survived by his younger brother Pete McGahan (Sandy).

He leaves a legacy of integrity, faithfulness, love of Jesus, and love of family to all 4 of his children, Tammy King (Jack, Angie Kaemmerer (Joe), Greg McGahan, and The Baby -Tina Jackson (Keith).

His greatest desire was that all of his family, including 24 grandchildren and 33 Great grandchildren would know the freedom found in Jesus Christ and would love their families.

Dad LIVED, LAUGHED, and LOVED. He is commonly called sweet and cute by females of all ages and called funny and “a great man” by most people that knew him. He told stories constantly and could remember people’s names going back to his toddler years. He grew up in Brownsville and learned the value of hard work at an early age starting with throwing papers as an early teen. He served in the National Guard of Florida and the US Army Reserves in the early 50’s where he served in the 82nd Airborne as a Combat Engineer and obtained his Parachutist Badge. He worked as a Carpenter, Cabinet Maker, Millwright, Fire Sprinkler Foreman, Job Superintendent, and could fix anything mechanical that came his way. Most jobs led to leadership roles due to his innate ability to solve problems and motivate others while making them want to do what he asked of them.

He loved Jesus, his family, America, Northridge Church in Pensacola where he attended regularly, and telling others what God did for him. He also loved to fish, talk about old cars, NASCAR, the Universities of Alabama and Miami sports, the Dolphins and recently the Buffalo Bills due to his great grandson playing for them. He would watch almost any sport on TV, and later in life developed great skills in forwarding Facebook videos to users worldwide.

Dave A. McGahan was a servant of God and Leader of men. His mark on this world is permanent because he furthered the cause of Christ by living a life above reproach. We miss you Dad, Daddy, Pawpaw, Dave…this time, of the three choices you often quoted, “here”, “there”, or “in the air”…. we will see you in the air. There is no doubt you have already heard Jesus say “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

A funeral service for Dave will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534 with visitation starting an hour prior.