John G. McMahan, Jr., “Johnny”, age 73, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Sunday night, December 8, 2024, surrounded by family at Saline Memorial Hospital due to complications from diabetes. Born to John and Blanche McMahan on January 31, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Johnny leaves behind a legacy of resilience and cherished memories.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Jacie Carol McMahan of Benton; a brother, Randy McMahan of Springfield, AR; and two sisters, Sandy Landers (Steve) of Little Rock and Pam O’Neal (Gary) of Hot Springs. Johnny also leaves behind a nephew, Steve Landers Jr. (Karmen) of Sarasota, FL, and a niece, Mallory Nickels (Justin) of Studio City, CA, along with five great nieces and nephews and a loving extended family and lifelong friends, including the mother of his three children, Jan Akin Savage.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, John G. McMahan, Sr. and Blanche Hamilton McMahan; his two sons, John G. McMahan, III “Little Johnny” and Jorre Nile Akin McMahan; and nephew, Scott A. Landers.
Johnny accepted Christ as his savior at a young age and was a lifelong member of Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock. A proud 1969 graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Johnny went to work for the Associated Press while attending LRU, now known as UALR, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science and History. After transitioning from the AP, Johnny began his professional career in automobile sales, launching Military Motors, “McMahan Auto Sales” a used car dealership in partnership with his father.
With a passion for travel, Johnny spent three weeks backpacking through Europe before starting a family, which proved invaluable when navigating a family trip with Jan, his mother, father, and sister. He also had memorable adventures in Mexico and Costa Rica with his brother Randy. Johnny and Jacie enjoyed traveling together throughout the years, exploring the Dominican Republic, skiing in Aspen, and a 15-state road trip in 2018 traveling out West.
Johnny’s love for politics was immense. He was especially proud of his role as Mayor of Bauxite from 2011 through 2014. As a municipal league member, he enjoyed the recurring events during his tenure as Mayor. He was proud to serve as an alternate delegate at the 2016 Republican National Convention. He also attended the 2017 inauguration of President Donald J. Trump with his sisters.
Johnny’s greatest legacy lies in the skills he imparted to Jacie. He taught her about mechanics, home improvement, and gardening, ensuring she was equipped and empowered with life lessons, knowledge, and confidence. Pallbearers Randy McMahan, Uriel Johnson, Steve Landers Jr., Victor Carter, and Pat Roberts.
A visitation will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park Chapel in Alexander, AR, on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Diabetes Association (479) 464-4121.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
6 Comments
Many memories working with Johnny on the city council in Bauxite. He was a good friend.
I was proud to call Johnny my friend. He left me with fond memories Of his struggles and achievements.
Johnny is my first cousin and I enjoyed a close relationship with him. We talked about all sorts of things and I am going to miss him. I can’t believe he’s gone. I love him. I know he is having a joyous reunion in heaven.
A friend and Godly man – he was always a friend of the Stuckey family, but I personally had a special relationship with Johnny – I worked at the Benton Courier and designed ads for Johnny in remembrance of his son “little Johnny” – it always tugged at my heartstrings to know the pain he felt in such a loss – now, they are reunited in Heaven. Rest in Peace Johnny. And comfort and sweet memories for his family
A great friend of several years attending church together at Temple Baptist. I had the utmost respect for him. I’m praying for Jacie, family and friends.
Sorry to hear of the loss of Johnny. We came to know him when Jorre was coaching at Hampton in 2016. He was a nice man and enjoyed his friendship in the short time that Jorre was there. I know the family will greatly miss him.
Sign Guestbook