Booker T. McClanahan

Booker T. McClanahan, 94, of Malvern, Arkansas, peacefully completed his earthly journey on Thursday, February 26, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1932, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the late Betty Sue Thomas and Charlie McClanahan. Booker T. was their only child.

He received his education in the Malvern school system, attending Annie Agnes Wilson, the local segregated school for Black children. In 1950, Booker T. married Elnora Duncan, and in 1950 they welcomed their first child, Booker T. McClanahan, Jr.

The couple later relocated to Venice, California, where they built their life together and expanded their family. Booker T. and Elnora were blessed with five children: Booker T. Jr., Gregory, Maurice, Wayne and Monica. Booker T. was also blessed with three other children, Rasheed McClanahan and a set of twin daughters in South Carolina. While living in California, Booker T. was gainfully employed with the Santa Monica Sanitation Department and the Santa Monica Blue Bus Company. He and Elnora shared more than 20 years of marriage together. He and Elnora shared more than 20 years of marriage together.

In later years, Booker T. returned to Arkansas and settled in Arkadelphia, where he worked for the City of Arkadelphia for several years. He eventually moved back to Malvern, where he spent his golden years surrounded by family and friends.

Booker T. was known as a kind, friendly, and easygoing man who never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and loved joking with those around him. A devoted father and a man of faith, he believed strongly in doing the right thing and treating others with kindness. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, watching Western movies, traveling to Hot Springs to watch the horse races, and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Sue Thomas and Charlie McClanahan; his wife, Elnora McClanahan; and his sons, Maurice McClanahan and Wayne McClanahan.

Cherishing his memory are the surviving: children, family and friends.  

A Homegoing Celebration honoring Booker’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. A viewing for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. that afternoon.

His online guestbook is available below for those wishing to share words of comfort and remembrance with the family.

Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services and compassionate care.