Little Rock philanthropist Jennings Osborne, known for his holiday light displays, massive pork dinners and links to state and national politicians, died Wednesday. He was 67. Osborne family spokesman David Bazzel said Osborne died from a heart ailment about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.
Osborne, who founded a medical research facility in Little Rock, began decorating the family's home in 1986 at the request of his daughter. As the display grew, Osborne bought two adjacent properties, and by 1993 the spectacle had over three million lights and attracted thousands of gawkers. Neighbors were angered by the traffic and sued; the state Supreme Court declared the display a nuisance and ordered it scaled down. Osborne's final display was 1994.
After losing the light display at his home, Osborne turned his fortunes to other philanthropic pursuits, including holding huge barbecues for the public and sponsoring annual fireworks displays. After the election of A large brass eagle the Osborne family donated to the city stands on President Clinton Avenue, near the entrance to the Clinton Presidential Center.
Gov. Mike Beebe noted Osborne worked to help people in need. "Arkansas has lost one of our highest-profile philanthropists," Beebe said. "He brought comfort and entertainment to countless people, whether feeding disaster victims, donating fireworks, throwing unparalleled tailgate parties or lighting up Disney World. While a larger-than-life public figure, Jennings was also a kind and soft-spoken man, who always shared his financial success with others."
He is survived by his wife, Mitzi and his daughter, Allison "Breezy" Osborne-Wingfield. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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The funeral for Little Rock philanthropist William Jennings Bryan Osborne Jr., who died Wednesday, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church at 501 North Shackleford Road in Little Rock. Osborne's friend and attorney, Bud Whetstone, said burial will follow at Mount Holly Cemetary at 1200 Broadway St. in Little Rock. Osborne, 67, died in a Little Rock hospital after heart surgery.
Osborne, who founded a medical research facility in Little Rock, began decorating the family's home in 1986 at the request of his daughter. As the display grew, Osborne bought two adjacent properties, and by 1993 the spectacle had over three million lights and attracted thousands of gawkers. Neighbors were angered by the traffic and sued; the state Supreme Court declared the display a nuisance and ordered it scaled down. Osborne's final display was 1994.
After losing the light display at his home, Osborne turned his fortunes to other philanthropic pursuits, including holding huge barbecues for the public and sponsoring annual fireworks displays. After the election of A large brass eagle the Osborne family donated to the city stands on President Clinton Avenue, near the entrance to the Clinton Presidential Center.
Gov. Mike Beebe noted Osborne worked to help people in need. "Arkansas has lost one of our highest-profile philanthropists," Beebe said. "He brought comfort and entertainment to countless people, whether feeding disaster victims, donating fireworks, throwing unparalleled tailgate parties or lighting up Disney World. While a larger-than-life public figure, Jennings was also a kind and soft-spoken man, who always shared his financial success with others."
He is survived by his wife, Mitzi and his daughter, Allison "Breezy" Osborne-Wingfield. Funeral arrangements are pending.
_____________________
The funeral for Little Rock philanthropist William Jennings Bryan Osborne Jr., who died Wednesday, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church at 501 North Shackleford Road in Little Rock. Osborne's friend and attorney, Bud Whetstone, said burial will follow at Mount Holly Cemetary at 1200 Broadway St. in Little Rock. Osborne, 67, died in a Little Rock hospital after heart surgery.
Little Rock philanthropist Jennings Osborne, known for his holiday light displays, massive pork dinners and links to state and national politicians, died Wednesday. He was 67. Osborne family spokesman David Bazzel said Osborne died from a heart ailment about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.
Osborne, who founded a medical research facility in Little Rock, began decorating the family's home in 1986 at the request of his daughter. As the display grew, Osborne bought two adjacent properties, and by 1993 the spectacle had over three million lights and attracted thousands of gawkers. Neighbors were angered by the traffic and sued; the state Supreme Court declared the display a nuisance and ordered it scaled down. Osborne's final display was 1994.
After losing the light display at his home, Osborne turned his fortunes to other philanthropic pursuits, including holding huge barbecues for the public and sponsoring annual fireworks displays. After the election of A large brass eagle the Osborne family donated to the city stands on President Clinton Avenue, near the entrance to the Clinton Presidential Center.
Gov. Mike Beebe noted Osborne worked to help people in need. "Arkansas has lost one of our highest-profile philanthropists," Beebe said. "He brought comfort and entertainment to countless people, whether feeding disaster victims, donating fireworks, throwing unparalleled tailgate parties or lighting up Disney World. While a larger-than-life public figure, Jennings was also a kind and soft-spoken man, who always shared his financial success with others."
He is survived by his wife, Mitzi and his daughter, Allison "Breezy" Osborne-Wingfield. Funeral arrangements are pending.
_____________________
The funeral for Little Rock philanthropist William Jennings Bryan Osborne Jr., who died Wednesday, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church at 501 North Shackleford Road in Little Rock. Osborne's friend and attorney, Bud Whetstone, said burial will follow at Mount Holly Cemetary at 1200 Broadway St. in Little Rock. Osborne, 67, died in a Little Rock hospital after heart surgery.
Osborne, who founded a medical research facility in Little Rock, began decorating the family's home in 1986 at the request of his daughter. As the display grew, Osborne bought two adjacent properties, and by 1993 the spectacle had over three million lights and attracted thousands of gawkers. Neighbors were angered by the traffic and sued; the state Supreme Court declared the display a nuisance and ordered it scaled down. Osborne's final display was 1994.
After losing the light display at his home, Osborne turned his fortunes to other philanthropic pursuits, including holding huge barbecues for the public and sponsoring annual fireworks displays. After the election of A large brass eagle the Osborne family donated to the city stands on President Clinton Avenue, near the entrance to the Clinton Presidential Center.
Gov. Mike Beebe noted Osborne worked to help people in need. "Arkansas has lost one of our highest-profile philanthropists," Beebe said. "He brought comfort and entertainment to countless people, whether feeding disaster victims, donating fireworks, throwing unparalleled tailgate parties or lighting up Disney World. While a larger-than-life public figure, Jennings was also a kind and soft-spoken man, who always shared his financial success with others."
He is survived by his wife, Mitzi and his daughter, Allison "Breezy" Osborne-Wingfield. Funeral arrangements are pending.
_____________________
The funeral for Little Rock philanthropist William Jennings Bryan Osborne Jr., who died Wednesday, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church at 501 North Shackleford Road in Little Rock. Osborne's friend and attorney, Bud Whetstone, said burial will follow at Mount Holly Cemetary at 1200 Broadway St. in Little Rock. Osborne, 67, died in a Little Rock hospital after heart surgery.
Gravesite Details
Full name William Jennings Bryan Osborne
