Jack W. McMahan
Jack W. McMahan, 88, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
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; and 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 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 Pittsburgh 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, from 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 1960s, 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 roles 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; stepdaughter, Sheree Young Ranson and husband, Foley, of Ocean Springs, Miss.; his loving sister, Clyda McMahan Sexton and husband, Gary, of Hot Springs; sisters-in-law, Sheila McKenna Kinzer, of Racine, Wis., and Vickey McKenna Pedersen ( Pete), of Medford, Ore.; 13 nieces and nephews; nine stepgrandchildren; 16 stepgreat- 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.
Visitation for Jack McMahan is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, with his service to follow at 2 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark. Please know, face masks are required and social distancing encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, gifts should be made payable 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 http://www.atualumni. com.
Condolences and memories may be shared at http://www. GrossFuneralHome.com.