Bill Humble, founder of the Arkansas Self Storage Association (ARSSA), passed away on March 25 at age 86. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock, Arkansas. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock, according to sources.
Humble was born and raised in Pikeville, Tennessee. Upon graduation from Bledsoe High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years, including two in China. Following his discharge, Humble planned to move to Hong Kong to work with CAT Airline. However, he was convinced to stay in Little Rock during a family visit, sources reported.
“My sister-in-law was quite insistent on me sticking around, essentially telling me that I would end up a bum if I moved to Hong Kong,” Humble said in a 2023 interview with “University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences News.” “So, I stayed a night in Arkansas and never left.”
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In 1973, Humble married Liane Rhein. Together, they reopened her family’s neck-tie business, Rhynecliffe’s, and formed a partnership with Texas-based Tandy Brands Accessories. The couple later sold the business and cofounded the U-Storit self-storage business in Little Rock. Humble founded ARSSA in 2004 and served a term as its president.
Humble was involved in many philanthropic causes, serving on the board of the Arkansas State Police Foundation and donating money to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, and others.
Humble is survived by his wife of more than 50 years as well as four stepchildren, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and other family. They have requested that in lieu of sending flowers, mourners should make donations to the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute.
U-Storit offers climate-controlled, drive-up self-storage as well as wine storage.
ARSSA provides education, legal and other industry information, and support for self-storage operators across Arkansas.
Sources:Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Bill Humble ObituaryLegacy, Bill Humble ObituaryUAMS News, Humble Gift Supports Jones Eye Institute’s Work in South Arkansas
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