Jack McMahan

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Helen McMahan; wives, Carolyn McKenna McMahan (mother of his only surviving child) and Flora Carson McMahan; son, Bradford; brothers Rex McMahan, Major McMahan, and Joe McMahan; nieces Salli Summer Sexton Reding and Heather Vale; and nephew, Dr. Gary McMahan.

Jack was an accomplished athlete from grade school through High School, graduating from Hot Springs High in 1952. Jack’s first adventure in baseball came by the way of the Hot Springs Boys Club. He continued his baseball career through High School by playing (pitching) on the American Legion team. During his senior year of High School, Jack signed with the New York Yankees which was the dream of every boy at that time. Jack remained with the Yankee’s farm system as a relief pitcher through 1955 when he was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates. At the age of 26, Jack retired from a well-pitched career in professional baseball.

Jack continued his baseball legacy by coaching the Spas American Legion Team (1965-1974) and as a scout for the Saint Louis Cardinals. When the Cardinals won the 1967 World Series, Jack was awarded a World Series Ring.

Following his playing days, Jack returned to Hot Springs where he and his brother (Major) owned Big J Liquor Store. Later the brothers opened The Oyster Bar and Night Train Club in downtown Hot Springs.

In the late 1960’s, Dane Harris recruited Jack to start Belvedere Sales Company -launching his successful career in Turf Equipment Sales. Belvedere Sales Company under Jack’s leadership became Capital Equipment Company, the lead distributor for turf equipment in the state of Arkansas. Jack retired from Golf Cars of Arkansas after 32 successful years. During his career Jack served in numerous rolls in the Arkansas Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Arkansas Turf Grass Association.

Cherishing his memory are his daughter Dr. Cathi McMahan and partner Lynn Keith of Morrilton; step-daughter Sheree Young Ranson and husband Foley of Ocean Springs, MS; his loving sister Clyda McMahan Sexton and husband Gary of Hot Springs; Sister-in-laws Sheila McKenna Kinzer of Racine, WI and Vickey McKenna Pedersen (Pete) of Medford, OR.; thirteen nieces and nephews; nine step-grandchildren; sixteen step-great grandchildren; and a host of friends and extended family.

Jack was a true family man. As the oldest of five, he served as the Big Brother to his siblings, extended family, and to anyone in need.

You could always count on Jack.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Tech University Foundation for the Jack McMahan Endowed Scholarship at Arkansas Tech University, 1509 N. Bolder Ave. Room 209, Russellville, AR 72801 or www.atualumni.com