George Emerson Campbell

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, Calif. and son Robert Marks Chowning of Las Vegas, Nev. 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, Ark. 72202, Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72227 or a charity of your choosing.