John McNew

John D. McNew, 91 of North Little Rock passed away June 21, 2014. Every morning for 68 years he would sit in the bathroom while she combed his hair. He had the perfect blend of pride and humility. He was proud of his hair, home, family and faith, all of which were beautiful. On April 26, 1923, John D. was born to Robert & Artie (Lane) McNew in Greenbrier. He was the youngest of eight. At the age of fourteen he began working full-time on the farm. Never one to cook much, in his younger years he had one specialty. He got $3 a quart for his ‘shine when everyone else only got $2. When he became a Christian, the recipe was laid to rest – never to resurface (no matter how hard the kids searched.) At 20 years old, on a street in Conway, his life changed forever. He met a feisty, blue-eyed girl, Mattie Jo Goble. When she turned him down for lunch, it just made him more determined. He convinced her to go on a date, and eventually to marry him. After 68 years of marriage, when asked the key to success, smiling he told the secret, "pray a lot and don't argue – she's always right." John D. was honored to serve as an usher at First Assembly, North Little Rock for over thirty years. He greeted everyone with a smile, hug and sometimes, a little dance. He always had a joke up his sleeve and loved to make people laugh. His contagious smile and bright personality made him one of the best orderlies at the VA Hospital, where he worked for over 25 years. He kept his family grounded in prayer, and through song he constantly reminded everyone around that he "know[s] who holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives." He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Mattie Jo McNew, as well as his parents. He is survived by daughters, Joan Parker of Chicago, Ill.; Sue Fields & Ray of Maumelle; Glenda Sutherlin & David of El Dorado; Denise Rozell of Fayetteville; and only son Vernon McNew & Kathy of Beebe; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be 11:30 a.m., Friday in Stone Cemetery in Conway, Arkansas. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.