John M. Ragains

Johnnie Mack Ragains, 77, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, August 9th, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his wife and loving, lifetime friend, Gail, of the home, and his dog, Pepper; his four daughters, Jennifer and husband, Kip Ledbetter, Kellee Ragains and husband, Mike Werthmuller of Fort Smith; Calli and husband Chris Landes, of Edmond, Oklahoma; Priscilla and husband, Dustin Gober of Benton, Arkansas; one son, Blake Ragains and wife, Mary Ellen of Chester, Utah; and one step-son Jayme Wooden and wife, Erin of Fort Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Don Ragains and wife, Darlene,; sister-in-law, Judy Ragains,; sister-in-law, Coleen Ragains; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Linda Phillips; and brother-in-law, John Mask. He was a wonderful Papa to his eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank Edward and Alta Lucille (Gatewood) Ragains, and two brothers, James Ragains and Jack Ragains.

John has accomplishments too numerous to list. He was an entrepreneur, innovator, and truly a self-made man. John worked his way up from shoe salesman to owner of Paul’s Pawn Shop, which eventually expanded to a second location. He established Rooster’s Blues Bar, one of the original night life destinations on Garrison Ave. He was a proud lifetime member of both the NRA and the Fort Smith Gun Club. When he finally “retired” to the small community of Cecil, Arkansas, it wasn’t long until he was on to the next big project, Johnny Mac’s Rockin’ Rooster, which he established with his wife, Gail. John was a visionary and had a talent for seeing the possibilities and the hidden potential in places and in people. He was absolutely a successful and accomplished businessman, but this is not his legacy. He is so much more.

“Big John” was larger than life and his magnetic personality would draw people into his orbit. He never judged anyone based on their station in life. He treated everyone equally and with respect. He lived life his own way and to the absolute fullest. If you were lucky enough to be this man’s friend then you know how loyal, funny, and generous he could be.

He could not have been a greater example to his children. He was fearless and confident in every venture he pursued. He never doubted his own success and relentlessly worked to overcome any challenge life presented. He was adored by so many people. His love for his family was all encompassing and you felt every bit of his warmth when his light was shining on you. We, his friends and family, must keep that light alive through our mutual love for this amazing man. He is irreplaceable and there will never be another.

John’s Committal service will be 10:00 AM Monday, August 13, 2018 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium with Inurnment to follow. His Celebration of Life Service will follow the Committal service at the Fort Smith River Park at 121 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association – Northwest/River Valley, 1732 Moberly Lane Suite B, Bentonville, AR 72712, or online at www.diabetes.org, Hope Humane Society 3800 Kelley Hwy, Ft. Smith, AR 72904, or online at https://hopehumanesociety.com/ or the charity of your choice.