Robert “Bob” Addison Ginnaven, Jr.

Unknown - Feb 17th, 2008
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Feb 17, 2008
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Robert “Bob” Addison Ginnaven, Jr. age 71, of Little Rock, died Sunday, February 17th, 2008. Bob was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of the late Robert Addison and Pauline Madison Boals Ginnaven. He was a graduated from Southside High School in Memphis before receiving his degree in English/Theatre from Memphis State University in 1960. Before completing his studies at Memphis State he moved to New York for a year to try his abilities at acting. After school he moved to Little Rock where he became the weatherman for KATV-Channel 7 from 1961-1966. From 1966-67 he was a creative writer for the Faulkner & Associates Advertising Agency and 1967-72 became a principal and creative director of the Leavitt, Ginnaven and Dietz Agency. From 1972-1992 he became principal and creative director of Mangan, Rains Ginnaven Holcomb Agency and1992-99 he was principal and creative director of Ginnaven Patterson Associates. Throughout his adult life, Bob enjoyed a successful acting career in movies and theatre. He had a role in 21 movies, of note; JFK as Agent Y, White Lighting as Harvey, Steel Magnolias as Mayor Brown, and A Face in the Crowd as a waiter. In television he had a role in six episodes of the series Dallas, as Bob, and performed in two Off Broadway plays. He also created national commercials for Radio Shack and Shell Oil Company. Locally, Bob was the director of the fabled Farkleberry Follies, a semi-annual political spoof by Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists. His professional affiliations included his membership with the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists. He was also active as a former board member of the Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Pulaski County Council on Aging, Little Rock Film Commission, and the Advisory Board of the UALR Television and Radio Department. Bob is survived by his wife Jeanne Tyler Ginnaven of Little Rock, three sons; Robert A. Ginnaven, III and wife Ellen of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Christopher Crews Ginnaven and wife Yasmin of Sherman Oaks, California, Marc Barclay and wife Krissa of Nashville, Tennessee, one daughter, Elizabeth Leigh Ginnaven and husband Charles Youngs of Marietta, Georgia, and 6 grandchildren; Katherine, Addison, Christopher and Caitlin Ginnaven, Ryan, and Jordon Youngs, Molly, Delaney and Landon Barclay. Friends, family and acquaintances are invited to a celebration of Bob’s life on Tuesday, February 19th, from 5 to 7pm at the Peabody Hotel Mallard Room. There was a private burial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to the Arkansas Art Center and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

Condolences(25)
Rich Ross
#25
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob touched the lives and careers of everyone he came in contact with. I was so fortunate to work with Bob as I started down my professional path. I still tell stories and quote Bob as I try to pass on his wisdom. He was so great to work with and I have missed him ever since the day I moved from Arkansas. And for Bob, on this day 10/10/08, I am removing every dissolve that is in my current film project.
David Leavitt
#24
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My dad often spoke of the good times he had with Bob - especially working on the UnBank campaign. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Draxie Rogers
#23
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
What a loss!! Bob was one of my favorite people and I have wonderful, fun memories of him. He was so creative and I had the pleasure of working with him for 13 memorable years. Family was very important to Bob and I know you -- Robert, Chris and Lyz -- have some wonderful stories to remember and to pass along to your children. I always thought of Bob on January 1, and had every intention this year to find him and call to wish him a happy birthday. This is a shining example of why you shouldn't put things off. I wish I'd had the chance to tell him how much I thought of him. You are in my heart and my prayers. But weren't you lucky to have had him as your father!!!! Love, Draxie
Christopher Ginnaven
#22
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
On behalf of the entire Ginnaven family I wanted to thank all of you who attended the wake at the Peabody last Tuesday night, as well as all of you who have posted comments here on the Ruebel webpage. My family and I just got back to Los Angeles late last night and I have not had a chance to read all of the comments yet, but I will over the next few days. We all thank you for your love and support. Keep Bob alive in your memories always. Love to all.

Christopher Ginnaven
Fran Owens
#21
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Fletcher Bransford
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Me and my family were neighbors of the Ginnavens on Schoolwood Lane in Cammack Village way back when. I used to play with Robert, Chris and Elizabeth and got to know Mr. Ginnaven quite well. I'm sad to see his passing and send my condolences to his family.
Amy Frazier
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I had the great honor of knowing Bob Ginnaven. I met him shortly after I found myself in the advertising business ten or so years ago and he always had pearls of wisdom to share, and stories lots of stories. To know him was to love him. He was such a talent and such an inspiring person. He was and is legend in the advertising business in Arkansas. I can't help but smile just thinking about him. He will be missed greatly. Amy
Mike Nichols
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing this week. Although I grew up watching him host "Academy Theatre" on television, I didn't meet him until he was cast in the Rep's production of Glengarry Glen Ross. He was a singular joy to work with.
It seems a hard winter for the original ad men. My dad passed away in January after a fifty year career in radio. Bob's buttery voice and sense of humor often reminded me of him. I know I'll miss running into him; he was a fine man. My thoughts are with you.
Tracey Salley
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ginnaven, but I'm sure my husband,Bryan Salley, did. I do have the pleasure of knowing Robert III and Elizabeth;even though it's been many years since we've seen each other. I want you all to know how very sorry we are for your loss. It sounds like your father was an extrordinary man and outstanding human being. I wish I had gotten to meet him. Please know that your father is enjoying his rewards of a wonderfully lived life with our Father in heaven. Lean on the Lord for strength during this time of celebration and He will see you through.
Millie and Earl Hillard
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives he touched. He was memorable and a good friend and neighbor. I'm so sorry we did not get the news in time to connect with you, Robert, Chris, and Elizabeth, at the Peabody. You all were a wonderful family who lived near us in your growing-up years. My sons, Mason and Beau will be sad to learn the news. I hope you will let us know how to get in touch.
Christy Kalder
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
After graduating from college in 1977, I started in the ad agency business, eager and green. To me, Bob was such a huge person in that iconic world and a powerful influence. Among so many in the business I encountered, Bob stood out of the crowd with his professionalism, creativity and always: kindness. I am very saddened he is no longer with us and want his family to know how very highly I always regarded him, as so many others in the earlier advertising days did.
Deborah Beard
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob was a great talent and, oh so creative. He was a lot of fun to work for and with. Does anyone remember the UNBank campaign? I still have one of the UnBank rings that Bob gave me. My thoughts are with Bob's family. I know you will miss him, but I also know that you have many wonderful memories of Bob. I do too.
Steven D. Gunderson
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Cindy and John Thomsen
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Robert, Lyz and Chris, I am so saddened by this news. Your father was such a great influence in my life. He taught me so much about the business but also about living. Please know that you are in our prayers. Every boss I've had since has paled in comparison. He was the greatest.
Dan Cowling
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I got to spend three great years with Bob including a lot of road trips. I'll always remember the smooth voice, rich laugh and sense of style that filled a room no matter where you were. Bob had the gift of living fully and a wonderful way of pulling you into his adventure. What a great guy. One of a kind.
Robin Compton-Duncan
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob is truely the man who got me in the crazy business of advertising. He wet my appetite early on as a child, putting me in commercials. He later gave me my first "foot in the door" at Mangan Rains Ginnaven and Holcomb. I spent many years at his house, hanging out with his kids and Ila, playing pool and listening to 45's. He was VERY influencial in my life and I always looked up to him! I thought he was the "coolest" parent! I will truely miss him!
Cindy Thomsen
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Robert, Chris and Lyz, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's death. He was truly a wonderful influence in my life and taught me so much about not only advertising, but about life. I have such wonderful memories of all our times together. He was definitely the best boss I ever had. My prayers are with you and your families. If you're ever in Middle Tennessee, give me and John a call.
Meg Rains
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
As a little kid, I used to walk into your office when the agency was closed ... stare at your Underwood typewriter, sit in your chair & try to channel your brilliance. I am lucky to have know you.
Deborah Beard
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob was such a great talent. The Little Rock ad community was lucky to count him as one of our own. Remember the "Un-Bank" campaign? I still have one of the UN-Bank rings that he gave me. My condolences to Bob's family.
Ralph Eubanks
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob was the very model of what I thought an "ad man" should be when I came to Little Rock in 1978. As a "fresh out of college" copywriter at a competing agency, I always kept up with what Bob was doing creatively and tried my best to emulate his brilliant work. I remember how proud I was when Bob noticed some of my work in the mid 1980s and went out of his way to tell me, "That's solid creative." Although I never had the chance to work with Bob in the advertising business, I still consider him one of my "mentors" even though he may never have known it. Arkansas advertising was better because of Bob Ginnaven. He will be missed.
May Bob's family be comforted by the many happy memories of his rich and productive life.
Dan Daugherty
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I want Robert, Chris and the rest of the Ginnaven family to know that Bob was truly my mentor. Bob was the guy who went out of his way to support me and recommend me for early jobs back when I was fresh out of college, helping me get my start. I wanted to be like him. Everybody needs someone like that. There was no family connection or obligation on his part to help me. We just connected and he was a good guy.

I'm sure gonna miss him.

Dan
Jon Holcomb
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Although I haven't seen "Mr. Ginnivan" in years, I have fond and vivid memories of him from my days roaming the halls of Mangan Rains Ginnivan Holcomb. I was only a young boy, but I remember feeling speical to share my middle name with a man that seemed larger than life. He will be missed.
-Jon Addison Holcomb
Laura McCabe Kuykendall
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was so talented and a really cool guy, too.
Rhonda Moore
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rudy and I are sorry for your loss. When I was younger, I used to roll my eyes when my grandparents would talk about great an obituary was. Today, I found myself thinking, "Great obit!" Thanks for sharing so much about your dad.
Neal Moore
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I had the pleasure of "working" with Bob on the Farkleberry Follies on several occasions and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Although Bob was a competitor of mine, I always considered him a friend and true pioneer in the Arkansas advertising scene. He will be missed.

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