Larry Neil McClain, of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born August 1, 1947, in Newport, the son of Jim Richard “J.R.” and Margaret Louise (Goodman) McClain.
Mr. McClain was a 1965 graduate of Newark High School. He later married the love of his life, Miss Linda Austin, on August 19, 1966, and together they built a beautiful life for their family. Mr. McClain was a lifetime farmer who owned and operated McClain Farms until his retirement in 2008. Mr. McClain was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newark.
Mr. McClain was an avid collector of John Deere memorabilia, guns, and old cars that had been restored. He had a passion for mowing his yard to perfection, as it was always carefully tended to. Mr. McClain enjoyed fishing and going to pawn shops in his free time. Mr. McClain’s greatest joy in life was the time spent with his family.
Mr. McClain was preceded in death by one daughter, Shelly “Shaun” McClain Dixon; two brothers, Richard McClain and Ronnie McClain; a sister, Janice McClain; and his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda (Austin) McClain; one son, Larry Scott McClain and wife, Missi, of Newark; a daughter, Megan Paige McClain and Blake Woods, of Newark; one brother, Jerry McClain and wife, Ruth, of Newark; two grandchildren, Connor McClain of Newark and Jazzmine Baney and husband, Steven, of Fort Smith; six great-grandchildren, Brier, Kizer, Tidus, Kambree, Khaleesi, and Leland.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Newark on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with Bro. Bill officiating. Friends may visit at the church, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers are the Coffee Shop Bunch.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home.
