Kenneth Short McMahan

Kenneth Short McMahan, 72, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Sarasota, FL. Born to William H. McMahan and Mary Nell McMahan, of Greensboro, NC, Ken was voted Most Humorous at Smith High School. He went on to co-own ASK Elevator Service prior to relocating to Sarasota in 1991 where he owned Florida Elevator. After selling the elevator company Ken worked out of Marina Jack, initially restoring vintage Egg Harbor yachts on G Dock and eventually managing the Regalia II before retiring to full time Seminole fan.

Around the marina Ken was well known as the “Commodore” of the “G Dock Yacht Club”, likely due to his habit of blasting everything from the Beatles to John Prine over his boat’s speakers while holding court with the other boat owners, Coors Light in hand. He could always be called upon to volunteer his expertise in fixing a mechanical problem or time to help tow boaters in need.

Ken was renown for his gregarious personality. He relished in a close group of friends throughout his life who encouraged his jokes and pranks.  He once promised his buddies a “topless party” only to have them help him remove the flybridge from his boat to transform it into a convertible.

Ken leaves behind his beloved (and, he’d have you know, hot) wife of nearly 49 years, Jane, as well as his daughter, Sterling McMahan, who will carry on his dry humor and love of the ocean.  Other survivors include his sisters, Elizabeth Glass and Nell Rogers; brother, Billy McMahan; and brother-in-law, Michael Johnson, and his wife, Gail; as well as nieces and nephews.

Ken is preceded in death by both of his parents, close friends, and his best buddy, Merle, who are surely throwing a party to welcome him, with the stereo blasting and Coors Light flowing!

A service is not planned; however, donations may be made in his honor to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.