David Shapiro

David Shapiro, 89, of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at home. He was born May 3, 1931 in Boston, Mass., to Miriam Baker Shapiro and Leo Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro went on to Graduate with honors from Boston University. After college he served in the United States Air Force and later in the Air Force reserve. As a liaison officer he mentored young men looking to attend the Air Force Academy. He retired as a Colonel in 1991. With some friends from college he moved to Dallas, and promptly scheduled a meeting with the city's mayor to see where his talents could best be utilized. This is where the idea for his PR firm was born- representing multiple trade associations, night clubs and movie studios. He also wrote a column for the Dallas Morning News called Dave's Dallas. It was during this time he met his wife of 61 years, Kay Baim. They married in 1959 and relocated to Pine Bluff in 1960. David became the president and later owner of Baim's Department Store. He retired in 1994. In his "retirement" he became the National director of Marketing for SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) where he volunteered his time as an advisor and mentor to small business owners and individuals interested in starting a business. He was recognized for his national service by President George Bush. He also served as a chairperson on the advisory council of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. For his strong support he received an honorary doctorate, and the college's business library was named for him. He was funny, smart, loving and generous as well as a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Kay Baim Shapiro; his son, Jeff Shapiro (of Ruston, La.); daughter, Renee Shapiro (Brandon Mills of Little Rock); son, Greg Shapiro (Marla Shapiro of White Hall); grandsons, Brandon Shapiro, Mason Rush, and Gavin Shapiro; and great-grandson Grayson Rush. Private services will be held at a later date by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors (online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com). The family requests privacy at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family make a donation in David's name to their favorite charity.