Brian Michael McCain, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Fayetteville at the age of 54.
Brian was born on October 8th, 1971 in Houston, Texas to the late John Michael McCain and his mother, Sandra Jill Clendenin McCain. Brian spent his early childhood in Costa Mesa,
California before the family packed up and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. His elementary years were spent in West Plains, Missouri where Brian began a long lived sports career excelling in football and baseball. Brian spent his time riding bikes, creating secret forts and playing with his sisters Kelli and Tracy. His summers were full of camping, swimming, playing sports and learning to fish and hunt. Brian’s love of books and reading began in the West Plains Public Library, a small magical children’s library.
Brian spent his high school years in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he played football, baseball and basketball. Brian developed several friendships here that lasted his lifetime. His love of outdoors grew to include spelunking and his love of music grew, inspiring him to learn to play guitar.
Brian graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1990 and began his undergrad degree at the University of Arkansas. Brian began exploring writing and spent some time in the Creative Writing program where he met University Professor and author, James Whitehead. Brian began writing short stories and poetry spending many hours in the University Library both studying and working. He received his degree in English from the University of Arkansas in 2004. About this time Brian’s musical talent provided him with an opportunity to tour with the metal band Skrew. The tour took Brian to many incredible venues and places and provided countless stories as they traveled the United States and Canada.
Brian spent many years in Fayetteville following graduation. He started a family in 1996 with the birth of a daughter, Cora and then a son, Henry. Brian loved the outdoors and spent any extra time fishing in the Buffalo and White Rivers. When not fishing he could be found reading, writing or playing music with friends.
Brian was a proud member of the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma. He enjoyed attending PowWow’s and other cultural events.
Brian loved to share his favorite songs with us. A normal text message from Brian always included at least one link to a song he was currently listening to. He will be greatly missed.
A private memorial will be held on March 28th, 2026 with a celebration of life to follow this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Arkansas Libraries and enter “Libraries” in the designation.