Jack McGownd, Jr. was born to Ethel and Jack McGownd Sr. on Sep. 15, 1935, in Bendavis. He was welcomed home by three sisters, Pauline, Freda, and Veta. Jack passed away on Jan. 18, 2021, at age 85. He went to a country school and church at Bendavis and later the family moved to Mountain Grove. Jack graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1953, where he played basketball, football and track. Shortly after high school, Jack met his future wife, Alberta Preston, of Cabool. They were married in Arkansas in March of 1955. To this marriage two daughters were born, Tabby and Libby. Jack was always involved in the car business. He started as a teenager working for Shorty Evans. A few years later, he opened his own car lot in Mountain Grove and had a successful business for over 60 years. Jack’s main love was playing fast pitch softball, where he excelled as a pitcher. Jack also loved to hunt, fish and play golf. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ethel McGownd; and two sisters, Freda Klingensmith and Veta Moberley. He is survived by his wife, Alberta, of the home; daughters, Tabby Raney and her husband, Steve; and Libby Bowie, all of Mountain Grove; grandchildren, Jeremy Raney and his wife, Amber, and Jamie Moore and her husband, Nate; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Jay Raney and Maddison, Mykka and Thad Moore; sister, Pauline Robertson; and many other family and friends who will miss him. Visitation for Jack McGownd was held Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Curtis Dowden officiating. Song selections were “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross” sung by Maddison Moore. Jeremy Raney, Steve Raney, Jackson Raney, Nate Moore, Rick Wilson and Martin Bowie served as pallbearers. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
