of Batesville, AR
March 17, 1938 - October 13, 2025
Dr. Charles Morris McClain Jr., 87, of Batesville, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by his family at home.
He was born March 17, 1938, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Charles Morris McClain Sr. and Verla Evelyn Bland McClain.
Charles spent his early years on his grandparents' small farm in Saline County while his mother underwent treatment for tuberculosis and his father worked to support the family.
Charles graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School and attended Beebe Junior College on a basketball scholarship. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. He later earned a degree in biology from Little Rock University and went on to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, graduating with the Class of 1963.
Charles married Patricia ''Pat'' Marshall of Cabot in 1967.
Charles completed multiple residencies in family medicine, general surgery, and radiology, practicing in California, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. In 1975, the McClains moved to Batesville, where Charles founded North Arkansas Radiology Associates and raised his five children.
An active member of First Baptist Church, Batesville, for nearly 50 years, Charles served as a deacon, choir member, youth chaperone, and committee leader. He was also a longtime member of the First Community Bank Board of Directors, serving as chair of the Trust Committee and on the Compliance & Loan Committee.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Pat McClain.
He is survived by his children: Dr. Charles ''Chuck'' McClain III (Stacy) of Batesville; Lori McClain, David McClain (Carey), and Jennie Beard, all of Conway; and Julie Marth (Tommy) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Charlie, Zach, and Eleanor McClain of Batesville; Jake McClain and Owen and Claire Beard of Conway; and Henry and Anna Marth of Chagrin Falls.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 16, at First Baptist Church in Batesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 17, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Stacy Reed officiating. Due to limited seating, there will be a live stream of the service at the Batesville Community Center Gymnasium located at the corner of 20th street and Myers Street. Burial will take place at 2:00pm at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Cabot with Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Patricia E. Marshall McClain Nursing Scholarship at the White River Health Foundation.
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47 Condolence(s)
Kay Trumble
Friday, October 17, 2025
I'm so sorry I was out of town and unable to attend the services. Charles was one of my favorite people in the world. Each time I was with him, it brightened my day. I loved him as a Christian brother and the world has lost a treasure.
Holly (Pilot) Green
Friday, October 17, 2025
My very first memory of Dr. McClain is from when I was about 6 years old. My dad Joe Pilot worked in the lab at the Medical Arts Building. At that time Dr. McClains area was right across from the lab. I would come to his office and we would play together. He would help me cut out pictures from the old X-ray films that were thrown out. He had me a little area where I could draw and play. He has always been so kind and caring person. I pray for peace for all his family during this time.
David Lynch
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I came to know Dr. McClain through his adorable brood. His children are simply the most accepting, loving bunch of weirdos who have ever graced this planet. They have always made me feel welcome and accepted for who I am. That's love.
I've no doubt that Dr. McClain had no small part in developing such a loving acceptance.
Well done, Dr. McClain!
Laura Hawkins Ward
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I'm so sorry for your great loss, but rejoicing in his gain. A wonderful man with a smile of sunshine who continued to touch others through his family.
Regina Rowe Bryant
Thursday, October 16, 2025
In this time of loss, may you be surrounded by compassion, lifted by love, and comforted by the memories that will always remain close to your hearts. Dr. McClain was a remarkable man, an amazing doctor, and a true Christian. I enjoyed the years I spent in choir and in church with him. He will be missed.
Jan
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, but he is heaven's gain. I remember him in X-ray when I was a young nurse in the late 70's at WRMC, and later at times at church. He was always such a kind, Christian man, and a great Dr. Sending sympathy and prayers to the families.
Nyra Jenkins
Thursday, October 16, 2025
My condolences to the family. In the few years that I got to know Dr. McClain, he was always kind and caring and would always have a smile on his face. If the whole world would be like Dr. McClain it would be a better place for sure. I will miss seeing him.
Dick Bernard
Thursday, October 16, 2025
We should all pattern our life to be like Dr. Charles. What a wonderful world it would be.
So humble, so kind, so honest, he treated everyone the same.
Rest in Peace Doc.
Dick
Jessica Shetron
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I first met Dr. McLean when he moved to Batesville. He was so kind and gentle. It was unusual to meet someone and instantly feel that you had a friend at all times. He was one of my very favorite people. I know he is in heaven because there couldn't be anybody better than him to go. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jerry D Coats
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Charles was an amazing man, father, husband and son. He influenced my life as a father and husband. He will not be forgotten.
Beth Milligan
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I remember working with Dr McClain when I was employed in the WRMC lab in the late 70s and early 80s. I was also a patient at WRMC when I was very young and I had to have numerous scans/x-rays etc. I remember being afraid and crying, Dr McClain comforted me and calmed me. I am a Physician now and I am so thankful that I knew him. He was a mentor
Gloria Diaz
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I met Dr. Mc Clain and Ms. Pat back in 1993, when I was an exchange student In Batesville. I was always welcome in their home.
I remembered them with a smile in their faces, Dr. Mc Clain sense of humor and enjoying singing in the choir.
My sincere condolences to his family and a big hug for Jennie and Julie.
Catherine Rayburn
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Although I never met your Dad, I went to nursing school at Harding with your Mom. She was one of my favorite humans. She had the best laugh and loved her family with abundance. I am sorry for your loss and feel certain they are once again reunited.
Faith (Marshall) Poling
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
He was an incredible man.
Even though I didn't get the opportunity to see him very often, he made a deep impact on me- modeling kindness, generosity, joy and a genuine heart that cared for everyone he met.
I'm so grateful to join in honoring my Great Uncle Charles by attending the live stream. '🥹
Sue Lewis
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr McClain was a great person. I worked with him many years . He was always kind and caring to his patients . I will miss him .Just knowing he is no longer here. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
Shawn Strutton
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I worked with Dr McClain in the early 2000's . He was always very kind and patient with new rad techs. Many prayers to the family.
Gary J Bien
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr. McClain was a true friend and a brother in Christ. He was a caring, compassionate gentleman, and an exemplary professional. I am grateful for his advice and leadership as Chief of the Medical Staff during my tenure as CEO of White River Medical Center. Blessings and prayers for the family.
Carmelo Maldonado
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My sincere condolences to your family, and may you find comfort and solace in the lord.
The Maldonado Family
Niecey Hodges
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr.Charles it was such a honor to be one of your caregivers I will never forget you ❤️ I will miss our friendship, you always made me feel special, I have no doubt you are in heaven the place you longed for with your family, I will see you again my friend.
Love, Niecey Hodges
Laura Martin
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr. McClain was such a great person, always friendly, and with a smile on his face. He will be missed by everyone that was blessed by knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jerry & Connie Townsley
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr McCain was a kind gentleman. Prayers for the family
Diane Lyons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of Dr. McClain's passing. He was such a kind man. He always had a smile on his face. Loved every moment that I got to work with him. Prayers for comfort for his family.
Stephen Jacobson
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am very sorry for family's loss. Charles was a wonderful man who was very kind and considerate. I got to know him through his wife, Pat. Pat worked for me as an occupational health nurse. I was the Corporate Medical Director of Eastman Chemical Company. When I would do a plant visit to Batesville, I had the honor of spending time with him and Pat. I was known to them as Doctor J. They were an amazing couple and fun to be around. Pat's and his greatness are reflected in his wonderful family that I only really knew through their loving eyes.
Lana McCarty
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Chuck and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. McClain was such a wonderful person . We will be praying for your family.
Ken and Lynn Paul
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Our family sends love and prayers. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Susan Monk McConnell
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr. Charles was married to one of my dearest cousins (Pat). I just spoke to him a couple of weeks ago. He will be sorely missed.
Jeannie Huff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am sad to hear of Dr McClain's passing. He was a one-in-a-million gentleman. I worked many years at WRMC where he was very well known for his kind and caring attitude toward patients and staff. Much Love and Prayers for his family.
Wendy Wood
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I love you, Dr. McClain. You were the best dad, friend, and mentor to so many. We were so lucky to have you in the world. You will be so missed. Sending hugs to Chuck, Lori, David, Jennie and Julie.
Janie Starnes
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Many prayers for all of you. I first got aquainted with Dr. McClain back in the Worthen Bank days. He was as kind caring soul and will be greatly missed.
Janette mann
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Im so sorry for the loss of such a great man.he is loved by so many.i have such great memories of Dr.Mcclain.prayers for his family
Cara Holmes
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of being one of his techs while he stay on the Inpatient Rehab floor of white river medical center just not too long ago. He was one of the most kind soul people I've ever met, he always knew how to put a smile on my face. My sincerest condolences go out to his family as they mourn the loss of such a great man.
Pat Lowery Hambrick
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
To all of Charles' family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father and a dear friend for most of my life. We kept in touch throughout the years and I will miss that. I'll be in Mt. View next month and had hoped to make a side trip to visit him. I've known Charles since 1963 and Pat since she visited him in Tulsa in 1967. They were a wonderful couple who lived their faith. May God's love bring you comfort you at this time. Sincerely, Pat Lowery Hambrick
Betty Burge Cockrill
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. McClain. He and Pat were two of the most amazing people I have ever met. I pray that our Precious Lord wraps His loving arms around each of you and gives you peace and comfort during these difficult days. Love and hugs to each of you.
Lolita Rush
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
How blessed am I to have worked for such a great man @ NARA. He sit the bar high & treated us like family. He was truly 1 of a kind.❤️🙌
Lolita Rush
Bobby & Sharon McGaha
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dr. McClain is as my Sunday school teacher for many years. He also lived trivia questions and always had one in class to see if we knew the answer. He was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all.
Arthur Gilbert
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
So very sorry for your loss knowing Chuck he must've been an incredible individual because he passed so much along to his son and family. My prayers go out to the entire family on this blessed day.
Renda Reynolds
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McClain's passing. He was such a good friend to me and my family! We loved him and had the utmost respect for him. I know he will be greatly missed! Sending love and prayers to you all!
Leslie & Mary Beth Frensley
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss! He was compassionate and strong Christian man. I will miss Him.
Lawanda mize
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I worked with your dad for many many years , he was a wonderful human being and one of the few people I've known who lived and manifested his faith in Christ . Rejoice in your reward faithful servant. Loved him so much. Lawanda mize
Rachael Fisher
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Dr. McClain was such a kind man and always had a file on his face.
Todd E Jones
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
He was a good man. Always cared about people. Fond memories of Dr. McClain.
Wendy Wood
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I love you, Dr. McClain. You were the best dad, friend, and mentor to so many. We were so lucky to have you in the world. You will be so missed. Sending hugs to Chuck, Lori, David, Jennie and Julie.
Reverend Mark Maier
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My very first ministry position was on the staff of FBC Batesville back in the early 90s. I was blessed to stay in the McClain's home during that summer. I was blessed to experience the Christlike warmth and care of Dr. McClain and Mrs Pat. From their meals to each conversation, they unknowingly helped foster a profound love for the church, the Body of Christ in ways I am still benefitting from. May God richly bring a thousand memories to your mind, reminding you of all the Lord God did through your father and grandfather. He was larger than life and yet walked with such humility. A ''gentle giant'' to be for sure. May the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Crystal
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My love and condolences to his family. Dr. McClain is a treasured gentleman who will be truly missed.
Edith Lopez
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My condolences to the family. It was my pleasure getting to know & care for Dr. Charles.
Sue Harmon
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Dr McClains passing. He was one of the nicest people that I ever knew and worked around. Prayers for the family.
Bill Campbell
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Karen and I are praying for your family.