of Little Rock, AR
January 5, 1930 - January 29, 2015
Joe Shinn, 85, of Little Rock peacefully left this life on January 29, 2015, surrounded by his children. Joe was born in Russellville, AR on January 5, 1930, the youngest of three boys. After the untimely death of his father, he grew up at the Morris School for Boys in Searcy, AR and he later moved to Little Rock with his mother where he attended Catholic High School.
Joe was a natural athlete who excelled in any sport he tried. In high school he played football, baseball, and basketball. He was offered a professional baseball contract at the age of 17 which he turned down in order to attend college. Joe attended Little Rock Junior College (now UALR) where he played End and was a major contributor to their winning the National Junior College Championship at the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA in 1949. This national championship team was the first inductee into the UALR Sports Hall of Fame. Joe then went to Tulane University where his 1950 pass reception records, set in a 27-0 win over Navy, stood for 32 seasons. He graduated from Tulane with a degree in Banking and Finance. He then played professional football in Canada for 2 seasons with the Hamilton Tiger Cats before ending his football career to fulfill his military obligations in the U.S. Air Force. He served two years in the active military and 9 years in the Reserves.
Joe had several banking and finance-related jobs prior to his 20+ year career working for his friend and mentor, Jack Stephens, from 1967 to 1991. He retired as Vice President and Sales Representative in Equity Sales. He was assigned to the team to set up Stephens Capital Management.
Joe was an avid golfer and horse racing fan who was blessed to travel with wonderful friends all over the country to pursue these loves. He also loved fishing and sharing that experience with his son and grandsons. Most important to Joe was the time he spent following the interests of his grandchildren; be it football, baseball, basketball or ballroom dancing he was there.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Aileen Shinn, and his brothers, Homer and Robert Shinn. Left to celebrate his life are his children: Bill Shinn (Jeani) of Lonoke, Karen Bassett of Lonoke, and Kelly Robson (Ken) of St Louis, MO; his grandchildren: Jason Deere (Luci) of Little Rock, Tom Shinn (Jessica) of North Little Rock, Kristy Smith (Carson) of Magnolia, and Michael Shinn of Lonoke; and two great-granddaughters, Vivian Deere and Collins Smith.
The family would like to thank Drs. Jim Wilson and Tena Murphy for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, 909 West 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501) 375-9148.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, February 2, 2015, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300. Interment will follow with a graveside service at 1:30 P.M., at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Russellville, AR.
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11 Condolence(s)
Katie Campbell Shannon
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
I met Joe when he was working at Stephens, Inc. He was such a fine man and gentleman. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that he will not be forgotten. He will be remembered by those of us that had the pleasure of knowing him and enjoying his friendship. The photo that you chose captured his personality and great smile....
Susan Rice
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Joe was such a kind man to me and my daughters when we moved here in the 70's.....just a nice man....smart and kind .....I was so grateful for the friendship......... sorry for the family loss .....prayers being lifted.........memories being enjoyed and cherished......... Blessings to the family of a truly nice person.......
stacy whaley
Monday, February 2, 2015
I have many fond memories of time spent with Joe. Kelly, Bill and Karen so sorry for your loss.
stacy whaley
Monday, February 2, 2015
I have many fond memories of time spent with Joe. Kelly, Bill and Karen so sorry for your loss.
Rita OKelley Stone
Monday, February 2, 2015
Joe was a gentleman, respectful, and a fun co-worker at Stephens. After he retired, he continued to visit regularly and would always make his rounds in our Dept speaking to everyone he knew. Your family is in my prayers as you grieve the loss of father, grandfather and friend.
Mr & Mrs David Grisham
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Great memories! Miss our golf games with "Bookie Joe". A good friend.
Jerry Floyd
Sunday, February 1, 2015
I remember Joe well from Little Rock Junior College--and the foot ball team.. The team played in the Little Rose Bowl and Joe did a great job in that game and others. I always thought he was a really good guy.
Rhonda Robinson
Sunday, February 1, 2015
I'm really glad to have gotten to know Mr. Shinn. He always asked about Ryan's golf game. He also had a story to tell me about him and Mr. Jack Stephens about Augusta. He liked his fish and chocolate pie. I'll miss him.
Mr. & Mrs. Lenville Evans
Sunday, February 1, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Joe was a great "walking partner".
Dee Ann DeLoach Golden
Friday, January 30, 2015
"Just another day in Paradise." That's what you always told me. Well, now you are in Paradise!!! You were the best friend I could ever ask for Joe. I love you to the moon and back. Thanks for everything!
Karen, Kelly and Bill...love you guys and you know I'm thinking about you!
Love, Dee
Fowler W Cary Jr
Friday, January 30, 2015
Blue skies & fair winds old friend, and until we see each other again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Nobody ever had a better friend than you!
Fowler