Ronald Edward Spielberger's Obituary
Ronald “Ron” Spielberger, devoted husband, father, and professor, died unexpectedly on December 26, 2015 in Memphis, TN at the age of 74.Ron is survived by wife, Debbie, a daughter, Robin, and his dog, Bazelton, all of Memphis, TN. He is preceded in death by his mother Ethel Sharp Parker of Philadelphia, MS and Memphis, TN and his father, Joseph Harry Spielberger of Memphis, TN.Ron graduated from Tech High School in Memphis in 1959, the University of Memphis in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Advertising and a minor in Sociology, and Ohio State University in 1965 with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Public Relations.After teaching Sociology for 3 years at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, he returned to his alma mater in 1968, where he would teach Journalism and Advertising to the students of the University of Memphis for nearly five decades. During that time, Ron helped launch generations of Memphis advertising executives and journalists, was a trusted friend and mentor to numerous students, served as the advertising adviser to the Daily Helmsman, and created a legacy destined to survive for decades to come. He loved his students and fellow educators and demonstrated that love in every connection made.He married Deborah “Debbie” Parham in 1974, a student in one of his University of Memphis journalism classes, and together, they celebrated the birth of their only daughter, Robin, in 1980.In 1982, Ron began working for College Media Association, then College Media Advisers, as the Executive Director – a title which he would hold for almost 30 years. He coordinated numerous fall and spring conventions, summer workshops and other association events. However, even after leaving the position, Ron continued to serve CMA by chairing the Hall of Fame committee, serving on the advisory council, and presenting sessions at yearly conventions. He was a frequent contributor to College Media Review, often contributing research articles that were the results of a long time collaboration with former CMA President Lillian Kopenhaver as they gathered information and explored the impact of college media programs nationwide. Additionally, hundreds of colleagues praised his kind manner and easy-going style, stating that it made working alongside him a sincere pleasure. “This loss is a tough one to take. Ron Spielberger was the continuity, the bedrock, of College Media Advisers. Officers pushed and pulled and came and went. But Ron directed the organization for the long term. He managed budgets and pinched pennies to ensure our financial stability. He made sure each and every member was served. He welcomed hundreds of new advisers into the fold, and he assured them that when the rough waves came, as they surely would, CMA would be there,” said Ron Johnson, former CMA president.Ron has received over 45 awards in his lifetime to include but not be limited to: National Science Foundation Fellowship from the University of Colorado, Outstanding CCFA Adviser from Memphis State University, Gold Key from Columbia Scholastic Press, Who’s Who in Advertising, Distinguished Ad Educator from the American Advertising Federation, Presidential Citation from College Media Advisers, Vice-Chair of Council of Affiliates for Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Outstanding Advertising Educator from the 7th District American Advertising Federation, University College Outstanding Adviser from the University of Memphis, Outstanding Journalism Alumni from the University of Memphis Alumni Chapter, College Media Advisers Hall of Fame Inductee, First Amendment Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, Silver Medal from the Memphis Advertising Federation, Honorary Member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, University College Distinguished Teaching from the University of Memphis, the Ronald E. Spielberger Service Award established by College Media Advisers in recognition of 20 years of service, Communications Educator of the Year from the Memphis Advertising Federation, National Service Award from the Community College Journalism Association, the Lifetime Membership Award from College Media Advisers, and was recognized for bringing more than $1 million in grants to the University of Memphis during the past 15 years (one of only 62 faculty so honored).Throughout his 74 years, Ron wrote and published more than 26 scholarly journal articles and books, as well as gave over 30 presentations at conferences and universities across the country. He was on the board of directors of the Memphis Advertising Federation, the adviser to the Journalism Alumni Board at the University of Memphis, served on more than 42 committees – chairing over 12 of them, and was an active consultant and judge for various companies and competitions.Ron was exceptional person, who always wore a smile with his coat and tie, no matter how hard the job, and always had a nice word for everyone. He was a true gentleman with a servant’s heart and was always taking care of the people around him. “Not only was he unselfish; he was self-less. He made everything look easy and ran it all with no fanfare, and wanted no credit,” said Linda C. Owens, former CMA board member.He always said that he was in the making people happy business and Ron did what he set out to do — he made every person who had the pleasure of meeting him, happy. “He was the nicest, kindest person I know, a southern gentleman, unlike us rowdy Texans, but he liked me nonetheless. And I’m a better person because of that,” said Mark Witherspoon, former CMA president.Ron Spielberger was a loyal friend, a generous husband, a witty individual, and a dedicated father who loved life and lived it fully, until his very last breath. Not only will he be missed by the thousands of students and colleagues whom he has touched over the years, but by his wife and daughter who know there isn’t anyone who could ever fill his shoes.Visitation will be Saturday at noon at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Ron Spielberger. If possible, please try to RSVP online at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1686378058305393/ or note your attendance in the comments at: https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com/obituaries/Ronald-Spielberger/#!/ObituaryIn lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship in his name. To donate, go to www.memphis.edu/give and designate the gift to the Professor Ron Spielberger Memorial Journalism Scholarship fund.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/schools/spielberger-taught-generations-of-advertising-professionals-2810c9cf-773c-01a4-e053-0100007f83e8-363769471.htmlRon Spielberger was ‘Mr. CMA’His services have been entrusted to the care of Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 768-8930. “Celebrating Life……..Behind the Stone Wall.”
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?