Nelson Mac Ashcraft

Nelson Mac Ashcraft, 80, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. He was born on April 26, 1945, in Louisville, Kentucky, and over the years built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and a good laugh.

Nelson spent much of his career selling heavy-duty truck parts, a job he approached the same way he did everything else—with honesty, grit, and a handshake you could count on. Before that, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, something he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

If you knew Nelson, you knew he could make you laugh—sometimes when you least expected it. He had a sharp wit and didn’t sugarcoat much, but the people closest to him knew how deeply he cared. Beneath that straightforward exterior was a tender heart, especially when it came to his family.

He shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Jackie. Their love was steady and true, and she stood faithfully by his side, especially through his illness. Together they built a life full of devotion, laughter, and unwavering support.

 As a member of the Baptist church, he leaned on his beliefs in both good times and hard seasons, and those values shaped the way he treated others.

Nelson’s happy place was his shop. He had a lifelong love for antique cars and was, as many knew, a true ’32 fanatic. He could spend hours restoring, trading, building, or simply tinkering. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was something that lit him up. He also had a deep love for auto racing and spent many years involved in the racing community. Nelson served as the track announcer at both I-30 Speedway and Beebe Speedway, where his voice became familiar to drivers and fans alike. Whether in the shop or at the track, he was right at home around engines and the people who loved them.

Above all else, Nelson loved his family. Being “Pepaw” was one of his greatest joys. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and delight, and he treasured every chance to spend time with them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Ashcraft; his son, Lee Shelburn Ashcraft and wife Shelly; his daughter, Bonnie Carmody and husband Justin; his grandchildren Ryan Ashcraft and wife Whitney, Will Ashcraft, Scott Ashcraft, Tate Ashcraft and wife Kimbree, Chase Sellers-Karn and husband Haidyn, Lindsay Hess and husband Jayson, Anna Claire Brown and her fiance’ Garrett Fikes, and Brennan Brown; and his great-grandchildren Luke Ashcraft, Nolan Ashcraft, Ella Jo Ashcraft, Hayden Hess, Landon Hess, Kendri Hess, Cevanah Hess, Elvin Hess, and soon-to-arrive Whitlee Ashcraft.

He is also survived by his sister, Sally Sheffield and husband Don; his cherished fur baby, Anna; his beloved “Hot Rod Friends”; many cousins in Fort Smith and Tull; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Shelburn and Nan B. (Smith) Ashcraft, and a special fur baby, Coco.

A graveside service will be held at Ebeneezer Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas, on February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor a man who loved deeply, laughed often, worked hard, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.