George Emerson Campbell

Unknown - Feb 13th, 2011
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Feb 13, 2011
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: George Emerson Campbell, 78, of Little Rock died from complications of a gastric hemorrhage Sunday, February 13, 2011, in Punta Arenas, Chile, where he had been hospitalized while circumnavigating South America by way of the Regent Seven Seas Mariner. Following travel to Brazil in 2009, George became enamored with South America and was charged to discover more of this continent in the southern hemisphere. George was born in Piggott, AR to Sid and Nevada Mae Harris Campbell. He was predeceased by wife, Anna Claire Janes Campbell, brother, James Delaine Campbell, and wife Joan Rule Campbell. He is survived by daughters Dianne Campbell of Little Rock, Carole Campbell Mange of St. Louis, MO, Martha Chowning Groff of Los Angeles, CA and son Robert Marks Chowning of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, each of whom he treasured, and a host of other relatives and close friends. George grew up during the Depression, and worked alongside his father at a young age. If his means were modest, however, his tastes and aspirations never were. He received his J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1955, but soon entered the U.S. Navy, serving 18 months aboard the U.S.S. Preston in the Formosa Straits. He remained on active duty in the US Navy from 1955-1959 and following his discharge from active duty remained enlisted in the US Naval Reserves retiring as Commander. Upon George?s return to Arkansas, he clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice George Rose Smith. George joined Rose Law Firm July 1, 1960 and practices actively and expertly in the areas of real estate, commercial lending and, most intensively as a municipal bond lawyer. In August 2006 he became ?of counsel? to the firm continuing his wise counsel and warm friendship with clients and fellow lawyers. George married Anna Claire in 1960, and daughters Dianne and Carole soon followed. When Anna Claire died of breast cancer in 1971, George continued to raise and encourage Dianne and Carole to be independent and educated young girls. In 1973, he married Joan Rule Chowning. Joan?s two children, Martha and Marks, along with George?s two daughters constituted a formidable foursome. This newly combined family featured children ages 9, 10, 11, and 12. This arrangement would ultimately lead George and Joan to attend graduation ceremonies in eight consecutive years. Among the many ways George served his profession and the public are as Director and chair of the Arkansas Capital Corporation; executive director for the Arkansas Constitutional Convention of 1969-70 and an elected delegate to the Convention of 1979-80; Chair of the Pulaski County Law Library Board; Member and chair of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission; Director, Arkansas Arts Center and the Arkansas Symphony Society. While George?s law career featured many highlights, among his proudest was his work with the Arkansas Constitutional Convention in1969-70. In 1968 he served as chair of the Arkansas Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. Although the resulting, progressive document was narrowly rejected by voters, many of the amendments contained therein have since been adopted. George sang a beautiful first tenor and was a member of the choir at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church for many years. He also enjoyed singing in the Bach Society of Greater Little Rock. George was in heaven when he could read a good naval novel or mystery story, while sipping a glass of wine, listening to classical music, and smoke a fine cigar. He enjoyed international travel, letter-press printing, gourmet cooking, photography, woodworking, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. George brought great integrity to his profession and life. His children will always cherish his deep and abiding unconditional love for them and his respect and generosity toward others. His children and friends appreciate the depth and breadth of his knowledge. His mind never lost track of the small details, because he understood that they made the difference between an interesting tidbit and a great story. Likewise, it is the small details that made a great man. The family expresses tremendous gratitude for the exceptional and compassionate medical care at Clinica Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile. The guide and support of Mr. John Rees at the Clinica Magallanes was above and beyond the call of duty. Following a private interment at Roselawn Cemetery, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11 am at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in George?s honor to the Arkansas Women?s Foundation (Girl?s of Promise program), 1202 South Main St #230, Little Rock, AR 72202, Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72227 or a charity of your choosing.

Condolences(11)
Audrey Burtrum-Stanley & Jim Stanley, Jr.
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Family --

It is a sorrowful event when 'A LIFE HAS ENDED' - but 'A LIFE WELL LIVED' is also one to be celebrated and revered; the latter was George Campbell's time-on-Earth. As supporters of AETN (Arkansas Educational Television Network), we are grateful for the various and many contributions Mr. C. provided our state's Public Broadcasting System station. Everyone enjoyed seeing 'The Chairman' come through the TV station's door! As an Arkansas attorney, he was wise, honest and admirable. We were honored to have called George Campbell our friend. We extend our sincere regrets (upon learning of his death) to his beloved family and friends.
Chuck Janes
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Diane and Carole,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, my heart goes out to you. I have always marveled at his many accomplishments, the best I knew where of you two. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief. We will celebrate his life in our memories. Love, Chuck
Joyce Mange
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Carole and family, My warm thoughts and condolences are with you at this time of sadness with the death of George, your beloved father. I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but I feel like I knew him through heart-warming stories and beautiful scenarios shared by Carole. I know he will be greatly missed by family and his many friends, and I am certain that he will live on in the memories of everyone he touched throughout his full life.
Love,
Joyce
Judith Drummond Covert
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Dianne, Carole, Martha and Marks,

I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing - he was such a wonderful part of our lives; he helped raise us all at Westover. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Bartell
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Family;
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. George and I met each other in 1975 when we both attended one of the many State of Arkansas Bond Issue closings that were held in New York at that time. George was Bond Counsel and I was there on behalf of old First National Bank in Little Rock. The underwriters asked us what we would like to do while in New York and George immediately answered go to a Broadway Musical which at that time was "Annie" and then many more followed in the future. George was a wonderful person and someone I admired and respected very much.
Dan Bartell
Suzanne and Jim Lowell
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Diane and Carole, Jim and I are so sad to hear of your Dad's death. But how fitting he was on the High Seas. As a close college chum of Joan's, we remember at a reunion visiting art galleries as George searched for a painting of a an old ship on the ocean. We are so grateful that he gave Joan and her children such a loving and inspiring relationship melding them into your warm family unit. We have wonderful memories of our times, trips, dinners and other visits with you all. Our last trip to Litte Rock for the opening of the Clinton Library was a wonderful example of their thoughtfulness and hospitality. We sorely miss them both. Fondly, Suzanne and Jim
Ray and Teresa Riggs
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are very sorry for your loss and hope that all the great memories of your dad and friend will see you through this sorrowful chapter. The obituary was a beautiful writing that I'm sure cannot assuage your loss. Ray and T Riggs
Larry S. Cox
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Carole & Dianne
It is with much sadness that I acknowledge the death of your father who was a loved and respected member of our Campbell, Janes, Cox family. I have many fond memories of being with him during my frequent family visits to Piggott. It was a most unique relationship for our families to have both him and his brother, Delaine, married to two of my cousins - Anna Claire Janes and Bobby Joyce Cox. We were always proud to have him and his extended family become a part of our family. Our memories will carry us through this period of sorrow.
Sandra A.M (SAM) and Bob Steiner
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so sad to hear of George's passing, so fitting that he was in the midst of yet another adventure. We will never forget his warm welcoming style and interest in our lives every time we were with him. He was always so thoughtful, even sponsoring fine food and wine for Carole and us while vacationing on Vancouver Island, BC, at one of his favorite restaurants, Sooke Harbour House. Carole, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rebecca Rima
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I will miss going to George's every Easter. Sitting on his great deck and eating the best lamb ever. I still remember being in my preteens and hunting for eggs around his house. I enjoyed the time when I was then old enough to be allowed to share in his wonderful old wines he would let everyone try. GEORGE I think I will miss your smile most of all. You are greatly missed. Love Becca*
Joanne Slater
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Carole and Dianne,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so grateful to have met George. Though I did not spend a lot of time with him, I felt as though I knew him so well through you. He was a great man, and he leaves the world a great legacy in you.

Joanne

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