James Lee McClendon

James Lee “Mr. Copperhead” McClendon, 56, of Hackett, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 in Fort Smith. He was born July 9, 1960 in Fort Smith. He served in the U.S. Army for a short time and met his love, Debbie, when he was 18 and she was 15. James and Debbie married on November 14, 1980, have been married for 36 years and have one son. He loved life, his wife, son and his other family and friends with all his heart. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, being outdoors, working with his hands and riding a loud Harley. He could take apart any engine and put it back together like new and loved to build motors. He built his business, Copperhead Engines and Performance and took pride in his work and enjoyed owning his own business for 8 years. Ask anyone around and they’ll tell you he was a kidder and a daredevil, give him a challenge and he’d gladly accept it and succeed. All who knew him loved his big heart, those blue eyes and that crooked grin. Known as James to some, Ol’ Man to others, and Mr. Copperhead by close family and friends; he will be deeply missed, always loved and never forgotten ‘Rest in Love’. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Dewayne McClendon, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah McClendon of the home; son, James Michael McClendon of Hackett; mother, Martha McClendon of Greenwood; two sisters, Karan Downing of Greenwood, and Sharon Williams and husband David of Fort Smith; brother, Donald McClendon and wife Julie of Fort Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.