RUSSELLVILLE — John C. McMinn,

88, of Russellville received the warm embrace of his personal savior Jesus Christ upon entering Heaven on March 20, 2021. Born in North Little Rock on August 14, 1932, to John Claud and Anna Ophelia Cauldin McMinn.

John was a true American success story, who rose from humble beginnings to enjoy a 33-year career with Proctor & Gamble in Jackson, Miss. An Army veteran and Business degree graduate of Little Rock University, John married the former Bettye Jo Avants in 1955.

He is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Richter (Russell) and her two sons, Dallas and Matt Elms (Sabrina and great-grandchild Ford), and Jennifer McGahee (Bob) and their children Ford, Georgia and Jack. He is also remembered by special friend and companion, Dr. Carolyn Lee.

A dedicated Christian, John served in many church leadership roles throughout his life as a deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher. He said the two most important events in his life were accepting Christ as his Savior in 1952 and visiting the Holy Land with wife Bettye in 1974. After retiring and relocating to Russellville, Ark., in 2011 to be near his daughters, he joined the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Senior Choir. John will be remembered as a man of great energy, warmth, wit and love of family.

A private graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 23, and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.