Jack Owen McSpadden

Jack “Jackie” Owen McSpadden, 81, of Cave City, Arkansas passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023 in Batesville, Arkansas. He was born February 19, 1942 in Batesville, Arkansas to Austin McSpadden and Gladys Cartwright. He graduated from the Arkansas School for the Blind in 1961 as Salutatorian of his class and Arkansas State University (formerly Arkansas State College) in 1966.

After college, he participated in a pilot program through the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind to train people with visual impairments to become a taxpayer service representative for the Department of the Treasury. He served as one of the pioneers of this program and earned recognition for his work with the IRS.  He later worked for Southwestern Bell now known as AT&T where he retired after 22 years.  

During his career, he worked hard to ensure people with disabilities had equal access to public spaces and served on President Reagan’s board to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jack also worked as a Human Resource Specialist for disability. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He enjoyed HAM radio where he loved meeting new friends; he loved playing guitars and singing. Jack was very sociable and never met a stranger. He always had a smile and something nice to say to anyone and everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol McBride; the mother of his children, Donna Sue Reed McSpadden; his son, Carl Austin McSpadden; and one granddaughter, Myranda Leanne McSpadden.

He is survived by his wife of 4 ½ years, Tammy Kerr McSpadden of the home; one daughter, Jessica McSpadden of Little Rock, Arkansas; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.

Pallbearers are Matthew Brown, Nathan Brown, Leon Vaughn, Erik Leman, Galin Schatzman and Jerry Medlock.