Biography: At the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the angel Clarence leaves a book with George Bailey with the hand-written quote, “No man is a failure who has friends.” By this measure, Robert William “Bob” Anderson Jr., was not only a tremendous success, but also one of the richest men in the world. Bob said goodbye to his many friends and his beloved family on Saturday, June 8, after a long battle with cancer.
 
Bob was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., on March 4, 1941. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1959, where he played basketball for the Zebras. He earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he played center for the Arkansas Razorback basketball team from 1959 to 1963.
 
Bob returned to Pine Bluff after college to work for Arkansas Power & Light. He married Virginia “Ginny” Nolan in 1967. Shortly after, he began his 38-year career with the Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods advertising agency (then known as Cranford Johnson), where he started as a Business Manager and retired in 2006 as Vice President of Operations.
 
A die-hard Razorback fan, Bob was a long-time member of the Arkansas Razorback Letterman’s Club and a Razorback season ticket holder. He attended St. James United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, where he served as an Usher and Crucifer. He enjoyed playing tennis, Thursday night poker with his friends, watching and discussing the Hogs, and spending time with his family.
 
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Anderson Sr. and Lucy Mayberry Anderson of Pine Bluff. He is survived by his wife, Ginny; a son, Robert William “Rob” Anderson, III; daughter-in-law Leigh Anderson; a granddaughter, Emma Anderson; his sister, Frances Anderson Cranford; and his nephews Jay, Ross and Chris Cranford.
 
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. He will be interned at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, near his parents and extended family. Memorials can be made to the Thompson Scholarship fund at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR 72212, or to the University of Arkansas A Club for former student-athletes at 1295 S. Razorback Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com