of Harrison, AR
October 26, 1935 - June 27, 2024
John ''JD'' D. Erwin was born on October 26, 1935, and from that day forward he was known to all as J.D. JD died peacefully on June 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Harrison.
He was the youngest of twelve children born to Dona C. (Owens) and Jethro (Butch) Erwin but was raised solely by his mother with tremendous assistance from his siblings. Life was not easy for JD and his family when he was growing up. Lots of mouths to feed and little money. He embraced hard work at an early age. A quality that would be sustained his entire life. At sixteen, JD went to work for the Garrison family at the Pepsi Bottling Plant. After a few years the ultimate salesman took his talents to Sav-A-Stop (later known as Mass Merchandiser, Inc.). First as a route salesman and later appointed to Director of Sales. A position he held for decades. Eventually, JD would become President of MMI (later Mckesson Service Merchandise) until his retirement.
Driving the ribbons of highways throughout the Midwest. JD helped build MMI into the largest Service Merchandising company in the United States. Rising before the sun was up, he could not wait to go to work. His morning routine usually consisted of him singing, snapping his fingers and bursting into his kids' rooms with unbridled enthusiasm. Always positive, always in a hurry (why go to the door when you can honk?)
His life on the road, not to mention in the air, took him away from the things and people he loved most his family. The sacrifice he made so his wife and children had a great life.
JD would often regale his children with tales of his travels to exotic faraway lands such as Cuba and Paris. They later found out it was Cuba, Missouri and Paris, Texas, but not a shy man, JD was known to perform on stages across the USA and entertain the masses with his unique vocal stylings. He once joined the Fifth Dimension on a stage in Las Vegas and once won a yodeling contest in Switzerland.
After retiring JD enjoyed being a gentleman farmer, traveling with his wife, Judy, golfing with friends and hiking the Ozark Highland Trail. He was awarded The Governor's Volunteer Excellence Award and The President's Volunteer Service Award. He served on the boards of North Arkansas College, Hillcrest Nursing Home, North Arkansas Regional Hospital Board and many others. If you needed to raise money or get a project started you were wise to make your first phone call to JD Erwin.
He loved the people that he worked with at MMI, He loved his hometown, his state and his country, he loved his church, but above all he loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father and all eleven of his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Judy; his daughter, Linda English of Harrison and his son, John and wife, Brooke of Goshen, Arkansas. Grandchildren, Jon Clayton English, Shawn English, Matthew Reid and one great-grandchild, Mackinnen Reid.
Graveside service was held on Monday, July 1, 2024, with Reverend David Williams officiating.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Share and Care, 105 US-62, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 or Hospice of the Hills, 501 East Sherman Avenue, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
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31 Condolence(s)
Diana Rice
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Many prayers, much love...
Diana (from Shelbys)
Larry D Henderson
Friday, July 5, 2024
I'm just now took a chance sit down and read your Memorial JD was one of my favorite persons in the world he always help me out every time I I needed him he canceled some appointments he had to come and be my best man at my wedding in Harrison Arkansas at the wedding chapel I used to go by his and Judy's house and visit them anytime I was in town back a few years ago I'll never forget him you I really respected him and I'm pretty sure he respected me my love for him will always be strong for you also Judy Johnny Linda I think the world at both of you my dear cousins may God be with you Judy Johnny and Linda cuz I know he's with JD
Tom Rogers
Thursday, July 4, 2024
To know JD was to love JD.
JD was the moving force behind the growth of Sav-A-Stop into Mass Merchandisers. When I started with Sav-A-Stop in 1962 our sales were $1 million per year. Because of JD’s leadership as Sales Manger, when he became President of MMI, our sales were $1 million per DAY!
I loved JD. He was my friend, my mentor, and Mr Outsde.
Jay enjoy your time now with your Mom and other family members. You will always be missed down here but I’m so happy for you being in a better place.
May God continue to bless Judy, John and Linda, give them His Grace, and put His Hedge of Protection around them.
I love you
Tom
Vicki Petree Stuart
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Judy and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of JD’s passing. I have thought of you all often through the years and how much I appreciated your kindness and friendship. JD was always one of the funniest, wisest, most hardworking people I ever knew and the most devoted family man. I know he is flying with the angels and God has welcomed him with open arms. Prayers for comfort, peace and healing for you all.
Vicki Petree Stuart
Christy Moore
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
JD and Judy were a big part of my growing up. I spend many a days at their house as a kid on Bubbling Springs as well as being a kid running around MMI. I am part of the Carlton clan. You never heard anyone have a bad thing to say about JD or Ms. Judy. Such sweet people. God bless the family.
The Bob Estes family
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Judy, John,Linda
Just a note to say we love you, and will always love and remember J.D. as a friend you could count on. You were always like family to us.
John, we love you like a son.
Praying for comfort and peace for you all.
Bob & Joann
John Phillips
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Dear Judy and family, I was so sad to read of J.D.’s passing this morning. He was a great friend and mentor. His energy, passion and kindness set an example for so many of us. We will all miss him so much, but will look forward to joining him with the Lord when it is our time. John Phillips
David Cook
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Truly we have a Awesome family.
Thank You Jesus Christ
Harold Foresee-
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Thanks to J.D. for working with me for years and years. His help in the company caused our lives to be better and helped raise our four children. Also thanks for all the kind words and encouragement.
Harold Foresee
Mike Yarbrough
Monday, July 1, 2024
Mr J.D., what a great man. A great ambassador for Harrison. He was never too big for the little person. Always a smile and a handshake. Never failed to ask about my Dad. So sorry for your loss. What a great life he lived.
Keith and Nancy Hennarichs
Monday, July 1, 2024
Judy, John and Linda and the rest of JD's loved ones, Nancy and I want to send our sincere condolences to you all. As John and Judy know we dearly loved JD. JD hired me back in 1974 and mentored me not only as a boss, but as a father figure. I have always tried to uphold the standards by which he lived and taught me through the years. JD, you will be dearly missed and will always remain in our hearts. Thoughts, prayers and love to all.
Keith and Nancy
Kelly Davis
Monday, July 1, 2024
I owe my working career to JD. He had confidence in his son, John, to hire me to start my journey with MMI. Not only giving me a job and allowing me to meet so many awesome people, it allowed me to live in a wonderful city where I would, with John’s help, meet my wife. I knew things would be good if I had at least a small portion of Mr. Erwin’s enthusiasm for work and people. Well done good and faithful servant!
Betty
Monday, July 1, 2024
So sorry to hear. Love goes out to everyone in family.
Dorinda Edmisten
Monday, July 1, 2024
My deepest condolences to all of JD's family. He was a good man and his contributions to the community will not be forgotten.
Brenda Collins
Sunday, June 30, 2024
So sorry for your loss. What a great man he was. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
john Porter
Sunday, June 30, 2024
May you rest in peace, my very good friend. I love you.
john porter
Misty Henderson Nouzovsky
Sunday, June 30, 2024
I’ve always loved JD. He was such a happy man and made others happy when they were around him. I’m sad to hear of his passing, but I have no doubt where he is now and I look forward to meeting him again someday in that heavenly home. My prayers go out to Judy, Linda , John and all the rest of the family. I love you all very much.
Arnold Freeman, Jr
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Successful people both in life and business are formed by great leadership.
JD was a great leader. R.I.P.
Peter Kohler
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Judy and I are so sorry to learn of John Erwin’s passing. He had an impressive career and will be missed.
Misty Henderson Nouzovsky
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I’ve always loved JD. He was such a happy man and made others happy when they were around him. I’m sad to hear of his passing, but I have no doubt where he is now and I look forward to meeting him again someday in that heavenly home. My prayers go out to Judy, Linda , John and all the rest of the family. I love you all very much.
Glenda Smiley
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I love you JD and Judy,Linda and Johnny I'll always remember staying with you guys when I would stay with Granny in the summer some of my favorite memories love you all Glenda Faye
Marsha Erwin Snavely
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Gary & Wanda McMahan
Saturday, June 29, 2024
JD was a GOOD man. He had a caring heart for people. He will be missed. Prayers for Judy and the family that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you comfort.
Kirk and Pam Waters
Saturday, June 29, 2024
So sorry, Mrs. Judy and family, may our Lord give you each extra peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Susan Kramer
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Judy, My heart goes out to you and your family. I truly Admired JD. He was a very special man. One I truly aspired to be like. Because of his influence in my life, I have instilled that same drive to help other like he did with the Food drive. Our little Bellefonte Global Methodist church feeds people in the churches neighborhood 3 times a week by way of a Blessing box. We also help with a free Library for kids and adults. We give funds to aid Informed Choices and Tetelestai House and Heifer Project. We gather up in the fall Knit hats, gloves, scarfs and socks for disadvantaged kids in the school district. We also collect items for Operation Christmas Child every year to spread the good new of Jesus. All because of JD's influence in my younger life as well as Gods. Judy I am praying for you all that God would grant you the peace that only he can give. Love you Judy
Carlene K. Bilke
Saturday, June 29, 2024
You and Judy were our very first friends when we moved to Harrison 34 years ago. You will be missed JD, we loved you both like family.
Leslie and Branson Evans
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Sending our love and condolences to your families.
Bill Boswell
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I met JD so many years ago, doing a walking interview for KHOZ at MMI. It started with a smile and a handshake and finished with the same. You will be missed old friend. Thank You for being you. Prayers to you Judy.
June campbell-savage
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I have known J.D. & his family all my life. We spent a lot of time together in our growing up years. Played a lot of cowboys & Indians together. J.D. was the youngest of his family, but took care of them all. He lived a lot of places in Harrison, but Rock Springs was always his home. The last time I visited with him, we talked so much about our growing up years & all the people that lived around us. He cared about everyone. RIP
Joyce Turney
Friday, June 28, 2024
Judy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of J.D.He was a great man to many many people. Love you.
Katie Saylors
Friday, June 28, 2024
JD was one of the best at MMI. My fondest memory was dog patch days. Everyone dressed up like the characters, even JD.
He wore a bright (pink) overcoat which had many pockets inside. Called himself a traveling salesman. Never thought he was better than anyone of his employees. A great guy which will be truly missed.