Samuel Ray McHan Sr.

1946 - 2026

Samuel Ray McHan Sr., known to all as Ray and affectionately called "Sky King" by his brother, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Edgewood, Ky. He was 79 years old.
Ray was born on Jan. 18, 1946, in Warren County, Tenn., to Davis McHan and Ada Lee Denton.
He made his home in Murphy, N.C., where he worked as a small business owner, general contractor, and real estate agent – careers that reflected his independent nature.
Ray lived with a sense of adventure. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, he earned his private pilot's license and took to the skies whenever he could. He loved convertible cars, taking as much pleasure in working on them as driving them. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, often picking up and going at a moment's notice.
Ray took immense pride in his grandchildren and believed deeply in investing in the next generation's success. He was known for his colorful way of expressing his often unflappable opinions and his love of a good steak and baked potato.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his half-sister, Marcella Frick; and his half-brothers, James McHan and Lynn McHan.
He is survived by his children, Samuel McHan Jr. and his wife, Patricia, Jason McHan and his wife, Priscilla, and Laura Klemin and her husband, Troy; six grandchildren, Noah and Joshua McHan, Courtney and Allie McHan, and Tyler and Elena Klemin; his brother, Charles McHan and his wife, Martha; his sister, Sue Mason and her husband, Danny Ray; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Calvin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shatterproof (shatterproof.org), or a charity of your choice to honor Ray's quiet generosity and desire to help those less fortunate.  
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.