| McCain, Walter | |
| Birth: | 12-21-1926 |
| Death: | 3-25-2025 |
| Comments: | Double marker with Billie H. McCain; m. 8-4-1950; death date not engraved at time of survey |
| Burial: | Pleasant Hill Cemetery - North (White) |
| Notes: | Originally recorded in a survey on 9-30-2017 and updated on . |
| Obituary: | Walter Lewis “Red” McCain, born December 21, 1926, to Henry Mark and Clara Gertrude Dellinger McCain, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. Red was the 15th in a family of 19 children and the next to the oldest of Clara’s children. He grew up in Arkansas and graduated from Blevins High School in 1939. Even in his early years, his strong work ethic was evident as he worked at Buchanan’s flipping burgers, mastering the art of keeping the griddle full and each order just right. Red married the love of his life, Billie Harris, on August 4, 1950. Together, they moved to Illinois, where Red pursued his career as an Electrical Lineman. Their love for family was unwavering, making the long drive back to Arkansas every weekend to visit. Their joy grew in 1959 with the birth of their daughter, Barbara. Faith played a central role in Red’s life. A dedicated member of the Pleasant Hill Church of Christ, he was instrumental in bringing preachers to the congregation. After Pleasant Hill closed, he and Billie became devoted members of the Prescott Church of Christ, where he served as both a Deacon and later an elder. Red had a special connection with the Youth Group, who saw him as one of their own. He delighted in treating them to pizza and, in return, they shared meals with him and always made time for a hug and a visit. A skilled and respected lineman, Red worked for the City of Prescott, Lawrence Electric, and various electric companies throughout Arkansas. His expertise and mentorship influenced many younger linemen who followed in his footsteps. A proud member of the IBEW Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union for an impressive 77 and a half years, he dedicated his life to the trade, wiring homes and installing countless meter loops around Prescott. Red had a generous spirit-every week, he picked one person to help by doing their electrical work for free. Throughout his life, Red formed lasting friendships. He and Lindsay Blevins shared many years commuting to El Dorado, and nephew Robert McCain became an invaluable companion, calling daily and taking him on trips to the old home place. His late years were brightened by his special friend, Curtis Lee Johnson, who took him on adventures, including weekly singings at the Highway 67 Grill in Emmet. Curtis even convinced him to join the Lions Club, a testament to their deep friendship. He had many dear friends-Anna Jo Bryson, Virginia Harris, and Sharon Meyers. They would go out to eat most Friday or Saturday nights, and some on Sunday nights too. He would call and tell Barbara, “I’m going out with the ladies.” They really took great care of him. Red and Billie were honored by the Nevada County Chamber of Commerce with the “Treasure of Gold” award, a fitting tribute to their contributions to the community. Red had a love for good food-steak, salad, French Fries, and a perfectly cooked burger were among his favorites. Later in life, his sweet tooth emerged, and he rarely passed up apple pie, ice cream, or a Sonic strawberry milkshake. He was preceded in death his parents, Henry Mark and Clara Gertrude Dellinger McCain, his beloved wife Billie Harris McCain, and a great granddaughter Jaycee Naomi Elaine Mason. Red leaves behind a loving family; his sister, Jenada Ellis; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Gary Lowdermilk; grandchildren and their spouses, Sammy and Amy Lowdermilk, and James and Whitney Mason; three cherished great grandchildren, Peyton Mason, Maggie Lowdermilk, and Alaina Mason; many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; and Sarah Prince that was an exchange student that lived with them and became family. He will be remembered for his teasing sense of humor, his warm hugs, and his signature phrases- “Why, I’ve had worse than that in my eye!” and “Did you notice it right away?” His presence brought laughter and love to all who knew him, and he leaves a legacy of kindness, service, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Red McCain will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Visitation will be held 6:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Chapel in Prescott. Funeral services are scheduled 10:00am Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Prescott with Bro. Buddy Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home of Prescott. Pallbearers: Mike Leamons, Bobby Smith, Richard Calley, Robert Loe, Fred Harris, and Jim Honea Honorary Pallbearers: Curtis Lee Johnson, Lindsay Blevins, and Jerry May We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love. |
This survey is copyright ©1997-2025 by Jerry and Jeanie McKelvy. All rights are reserved. The McKelvy's grant the right to use listings on these web pages and in these databases for an individual's research project, but no commercial (for profit) publishing is allowed without the written consent of Jerry and Jeanie McKelvy.
References to an "earlier record" usually refer to a survey conducted in the 1950's by the Nevada County Extension Homemakers' Clubs, the original of which is on file at the Nevada County Depot and Museum.
Since 1997, Jery and Jeanie McKelvy have conducted a periodic canvas of each cemetery in the county and use additional resources to keep the listings current.