LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Little Rock philanthropist Jennings Osborne, whose losing battle with neighbors over his 3.2 million-light Christmas display reached the nation's highest court, died Wednesday. He was 67.
Family spokesman David Bazzel said Osborne died from a heart ailment Wednesday at a Little Rock hospital.
Osborne had ties to state and national politicians and was known for supplying pork dinners for many public gatherings. But his Christmas lights fight gained him the most attention.
What started as a relatively modest display in 1986 grew to 3.2 million lights in 1993. Arkansas' highest court declared the display a nuisance and ordered Osborne to take the lights down.
Osborne asked the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that doing so would diminish his religious right to celebrate Christmas as he wished. Justices rejected his appeal.
Undaunted, Osborne strung his lights in Little Rock's downtown River Market District and in dozens of other Arkansas cities. He went on to provide light displays for Disney World and Graceland.
"Every day is Christmas to me," Osborne told The Associated Press in 1998. "I feel like I am on a fantasy trip, and I like to take people along."
Osborne became wealthy running a medical research company. However, those who know him reacted to his death by recalling how he played, not how he worked.
Former President Bill Clinton praised Osborne's living for others.
"Jennings had a big heart and gave so much to so many people throughout his extraordinary life," Clinton said in a statement. "From personally providing holiday cheer through his light shows to helping families get back on their feet after natural disasters, Jennings' capacity to give was truly awe-inspiring."
Besides Bill and Hillary Clinton, Osborne also counted former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee among his friends.
"I often said that Jennings was like a little boy who never had candy, but who one day bought the candy store — and found his greatest joy in giving candy to kids who were like he once was and couldn't afford it," Huckabee said in a statement. "He had the biggest heart in the world. He used it mostly for others. It finally gave out."
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I love the human story here and visited a house that I and my husband are considering to purchase that belonged to the family because of it. How wonderful the inspiration that we all can do a little better, a little more for each other. Florita Davis-Smith
Florita Davis-Smith
August 08, 2016 | Long Beach, CA
the man was generous, to a fault, and the only reason I clicked on his name was because I saw a segment of man v food, I am planning to be in arkansas around june and july and wanted to see if I could have the privilege of working for him, without pay of couse, I guess now I will not, it is a shame I will not get to work alongside someone with such a big heart, the work the man did was almost fanaticle, and I find that wonderful,he put his whole heart and soul to giving back to public...
Dennis Ullinskey
December 28, 2015 | Defiance, OH
My son, E.T. Webb
I will never forget Jennings Osborne's beautiful light spectacular at the west end of Cantrell Road, before it changed to Highway #10 West. One year, after writing a letter to them on how much I loved the display, my young son and I were invited to go behind the compound and see them. I will NEVER forget how special we felt behind the gates and the compound wall. And I will never forget Jennings Osborne standing outside in the frigid hold, handing out those fat peppermint sticks to...
Sandy Schaefer
November 17, 2015 | Conway, AR
I never enjoyed the chance to meet him .he is my hero .the best heart in the world if I could be half that I'llfeel great
jeff day
January 09, 2013 | Media, PA
This man was so generous. I once saw him in the Waffle House even though he could afford to eat anywhere he wanted. He tipped the waitress 100 dollars. She was so excited. One of the greatest, for sure. R.I.P. sir
doug nielsen
June 30, 2012 | Mesquite, NV
Dear Mitzi and Breezy..so sorry. Jennings was so kind to me after screening my film Monet's Palate. He really got a kick out of the "Foodie" side of Claude Monet..I bet Monet would have loved some of his barbeque. Sincere condolences.
Aileen Bordman
November 23, 2011 | NJ
We've Always Loved Your Beautiful Christmas Lights at Walt Disney World. We Will Think Of You When We see Them Again In December! We Know That You Will Be Looking Down From Heaven When They Turn Your Lights On, And It WiLL Bring A Smile To Your Face!! God Bless You!
Frank & Carol Cambisi
November 08, 2011 | Boynton Beach, FL
Only lived in Arkansas 6yrs, but must have been the right 6yrs. Visited Mr Osborne's Christmas display at its peak every year I was there. Arkansas has lost a one of a kind person..God Bless.
Dale Matthews
November 02, 2011 | National Park, NJ
This man is truly a great and sharing man,
Robert Hubbell
October 31, 2011 | Oskaloosa, IA
