John R McClendon
of Marianna, AR
February 16, 1939 - February 18, 2023
John R. McClendon, 84, of Marianna, Arkansas passed away on February 18, 2023. He was born February 16, 1939 in Palestine, Arkansas to Reuben Marion McClendon and Ruby Ates McClendon. John grew up working on the family farm in Lee County, Arkansas where he exhibited a strong work ethic at a very young age. He graduated from T.A. Futrall High School in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart Sharon Spaine, and they moved to Oklahoma where John worked as an insurance agent for National Investors Life Insurance Company. He advanced to state director, transferred to Louisiana as state manager, and then relocated to Oklahoma as president and CEO of Equity Benefit Life Insurance Company. He also served on numerous corporate boards throughout his insurance years.
During this time, John was a devoted husband and father to his two daughters and son. He delighted in spending time with his children and later his grandsons. From his early teens on, John was a steadfast Christian, and he actively involved himself and his family in the local Episcopal church.
John was always a farmer at heart. After his 30-year corporate career, he returned to Lee County to establish and operate his grain farm. He loved being outdoors and was hands-on in all aspects of farm management.
John cared deeply about helping the American farmer. He joined the American Soybean Association (ASA) where he was appointed to the board of directors and subsequently served as vice-president, president, and chairman of the board. In addition, he chaired and founded various other councils, trusts, coops, and foundations. He spent many hours in Washington, DC and traveled to 52 countries on behalf of the soybean industry. In his years with ASA, he developed many enduring friendships in other states and countries. He was the recipient of the ASA Lifetime Achievement Award given for years of service, outstanding leadership, and dedication to furthering the interests of soybean farmers. He also received the National FFA Hall of Achievement Award.
John was never afraid to take on new opportunities or tackle a problem and often awed others with his ability to make things happen. He had strong values and performed work with honesty and integrity. He was amiable and had a friendly face and quick smile. He was described by others as intelligent, knowledgeable, energetic, and as always approaching his day and work with graciousness, good humor, and a positive attitude.
John is survived by his wife Sharon Spaine McClendon of Marianna; daughters, Julie McClendon Davison (husband Andy) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Lori Ann McClendon of Conway, Arkansas; son Michael Charles McClendon (wife Penny) of Marianna; two grandsons, Hunter Michael McClendon of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Sean Andrew Davison of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two brothers, Don H. McClendon (wife Anne) of Marianna, and Randy R. McClendon of Gautier, Mississippi; and brother-in-law, Dr. William E. Spaine (wife Heather) of Flippin, Arkansas.
A memorial service will be held at a later time. Donations in memory of John may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, PO Box 241, Marianna, AR 72360.
Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
621 West Chestnut Street
Marianna, AR 72360
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com