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Mary Blount McMahan
6/23/2023
Mary Blount McMahan, better known as Dinky, age 90, died peacefully on June 23 after bravely battling several illnesses. She was preceded in death by her parents W. Clayton and Lois Smith Blount of Hinesville, GA, her husband Richard A. “Dick” McMahan, her son Michael T. McMahan and infant son Matthew McMahan.
Born in Bryan County, Georgia, during the Great Depression, Dinky had a carefree childhood experiencing the fun of coastal life on Whitmarsh Island near Savannah, GA, the learning of skills on her aunt’s farm, and the formation of an independent spirit instilled by her parents and grandparents. She attended public schools in Savannah until her family moved to Hinesville, GA, where she finished high school at Bradwell Institute. She attended Georgia State Women’s College, now Valdosta State University.
Dinky met Lt. Dick McMahan when he was stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA. After his military discharge they were married in 1957 and moved to DeLand, FL, where they made many friends and were actively engaged in business, social and cultural affairs.
An astute businesswoman, Dinky owned and managed Main Street Travel and served on the Stetson School of Music Board of Advisors, the Florida International Festival Board and the St. Barnabas School Board. She was a skilled athlete, proficient in swimming, skiing, golf and tennis, and held memberships in the DeLand Country, Yacht and Racquet Clubs. She was also an excellent cook, an avid reader, a serious bridge player and a knowledgeable gardener who loved flowers and was known for her talent in making floral arrangements. But most of all, Dinky was a beloved family member whose generosity was extensive.
The McMahans were staunch supporters of Clemson and Stetson Universities, endowing student scholarships and construction projects at both institutions. They donated a major gift toward the construction of the Stetson School of Music’s Mary B. McMahan Hall.
Dinky is survived and will be long remembered by her sister Carolyn DeLargy (Paul), her brother Clayton L. “Buddy” Blount (Flora), nieces Pam DeLargy (Craig Calhoun) and Amy Collins (Mike), nephews Kip DeLargy, Clay Blount (Beth), Steven Blount (Mariangela), and their children, and daughter in law, Patricia McMahan.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of the DeLand Brookdale facility where Dinky resided for the past eight years, and especially to the team of angels led by Martha Smith who anticipated Dinky’s every need and cared lovingly for her to the end.
In lieu of a funeral, arrangements are being made with Stetson University for a memorial concert honoring Dinky in the fall, time and date to be announced. Interment will be in the Richland, SC, cemetery where her husband and infant son are buried. Remembrances or donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to the Alzheimer’s Association.