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.
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14 Condolence(s)
Russell & Laurie Evans
Monday, May 15, 2023
JR was true true friend. He stood fast of what community farmer was, he would tell us that art was lost in each generation. Farmers helping farmers no matter who they were of how much they had. I wish more farmers would follow his wisdom. He was a great man that traveled and accomplished many things, and had great stories to tell about each and every event . We will see again you our dear friend .
Temple Young
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Dear Sharon, The card and note I sent you came back. It said the wrong address and couldn’t be sent. I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. I checked my address book and , supposedly, put the right address. I am thinking of you . I wish I could see you. Love, Temple
Roger Hadley
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Sharon & family, I and very sorry to hear of John R’s passing and you have most sincere condolences to you. I truly enjoyed serving on ASA and traveling with John. My most memorable was our trip to Campeche Mexico, where my flight connection was late and I missed the flight from Mexico City to Campeche, but caught up with the group the next day, at the Aztec Ruins. I can still see the shocked look on John’s face as he said “ how did you get our he and find us†! I just said “I dropped out of the skyâ€. John was a true friend and likewise so is Sharon.
“Big Brown Eyesâ€, as Sharon nicked named me. John you will be missed by me!
Marion Fletcher
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Condolences to the family. Memories linger of John who always had a friendly handshake. May the LORD bless each of you
Joanne (Jones) Webb
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Sharon & family
So sorry for your loss. John was one of a kind indeed. I have known him my entire life. Even as a young boy, he was kind and considerate. Thoughts and prayers for you all during this very difficult time.
Lanny Ashlock
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
So saddened to learn of John’s passing! He was a very gracious man that I (and so many, many others) called friend. All of us associated with the Arkansas and American Soybean Industry appreciated him and his leadership so very much! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during these difficult days. May our Heavenly Father bless and keep you.
John Long
Monday, February 20, 2023
I truly treasure the memories I have of John R and friendship we shared over many years. We travelled many places around the world representing soybean farmers and US Agriculture and John R always had a bright smile on his face and was the epitome of the “Southern Gentleman “ wherever we went. I share the grief with Sharon and John’s family as we let go of John on this earth but look forward to seeing him again one day.
Robert Stobaugh
Monday, February 20, 2023
John was a great friend and mentor. I followed his example of helping the American Farmer through my service to the soybean industry. He was larger than life and paved the way for so many to follow. Many times just the mention of his name brought a smile and an open door. A true gentleman and example of a servant’s heart. God Bless you all, and thank you for sharing John with the soybean industry. ðŸ™ðŸ»
Lee Petty
Monday, February 20, 2023
John R and I shared many visits together over the past 20 years. I miss those visits. I sincerely wish we had met earlier in life. John R was never at a loss for words, which made us complete opposites.
He shared many stories. And I always found myself interested in what he had to say. What I remember more than the stories he told or the words he spoke, was simply the joy and passion he conveyed in what we talked about. Be it family, farming, finance, or his travels around the world. He always showed a genuine interest in me and my family. For me, the most important thing is that I feel that we both enjoyed the time we spent together. I am at a loss for anything else to say, except to say Thank You. Sharon, prayers for you and your family.
Dick Howard
Monday, February 20, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of John R's passing, I sure valued his friendship thru the years. Lifting the family up in prayer
Robin Craven
Monday, February 20, 2023
Sharon and family-I am saddened to hear of John's death, but rejoicing in his home going. He was always caring and gracious, and we cherished his friendship. I can imagine Richard and him greeting one another upon his arrival. May God comfort your hearts and give you peace. Love, Robin
Cindy Stonhouse
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Sharon, I pray for Gods love and peace to help you and your family at this difficult time. I’ve been thinking of the day I visited with you and John (at Jackie’s) Knew you both were nice people but really found out for myself that day! And the stories Randy has told are so meaningful, funny, sweet etc. like how John in his early years of farming figured away on his own to fix a tractor It’s so interesting to hear what all he accomplished in farming. Trying to remember whole story about your engagement ring Randy told me years ago. Faith, Hope and Love
Cindy Stonhouse
Boyd and Wanda Russell
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Sharon and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. He has always friendly and kind to everyone he met. We will miss him.
Carlos and Joy Staton
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Dear Sharon and family,
Our hearts are with during this time of sorrow. Please know that we will be thinking and praying for you.
Love and prayers!
Carlos and Joy Staton