In Loving Memory

Worked at Luckie for a number of years, he was the best boss.

Great guy, from the Capstone throughout his career. A credit to our profession.

I was a client of Luckie's but to Bobby I was always a friend. We often discussed our common passion for the University of Alabama, both being grads, and Crimson Tide football. I have so many Alabama football books thanks to Bobby's overwhelming generosity. I will always remember what I said about him at a party he gave in my honor when I left the advertising world: Bobby Luckie is the classiest person I know! Bobby Luckie was truly a man of honor, grace, character, and most importantly, compassion! Rest in peace, dear Bobby! And Roll Tide! (I'm sure he's chatting up Bear right now about Alabama football!)

One of my favorite memories was his dressing as a Pimp, (fur coat, jewelry etc.) for Halloween. Bobby always willing to be involved whenever the staff would compete for best costume contest each year. Even though he was boss, he always made you feel he was one of the team, in work and fun times. I’ve known B3 since 1979, and I can honestly say that I’ve never known anyone who loved and cared for their fellow human like he did. The sweet and caring things he did for me for so many years is unbelievable. It wasn’t just me, but everyone who worked with him. Because of him sharing his breakfast with me, I cannot look at a banana without remembering his generosity first thing in the morning. B3 was one in a million, and I am so blessed to have known him. Rest In Peace my friend.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bobby Luckie since September of 1979, when I began working for Luckie & Forney. I have so many memories, but Missy Fick Scott’s earlier comment brought a particular one to mind. Bobby and I were downtown at SouthTrust Bank’s corporate office for a photo shoot of their board of directors. It was the last shot we needed to complete their annual report. Unfortunately, the president didn’t get the reminder memo, and wasn’t appropriately dressed. Now this shot had taken months to schedule and included 20 very busy men. So Bobby and the marketing manager followed the president into his office to discuss the situation. About 15 minutes later, the president emerged wearing BIII’s suit - shirt, tie, pants, jacket - and the shoot proceeded. Meanwhile, Bobby cooled his heels in the president’s office reading a magazine in his underwear! To me this is a perfect example of the kind of life he led. Always willing, always there for everyone. We will miss him terribly!

Bobby and Tommy lived across the street from my family, growing up on Hermitage Rd. Although Bobby was 8 years older, he would make time to play football with us in their front yard. Looking back, I would say he was a mentor to me, in that even at a young age, he carried himself with class. My heartfelt sympathy to the Luckie family.

I will be forever grateful for the blessing of knowing and working with Bobby. I saved the note he wrote me years ago near the end of my mother’s life, and I hope his words of encouragement then bring comfort now to all who loved him, especially to the family he loved so much: “I know how difficult your situation is with your sweet mother, but your faith and hers will sustain and uplift both of you. Always remember how much God loves all of us. That is strong comfort. Bobby”

I’ll never forget Bobby Luckie. The words kind and true gentleman are what always come to mind when I think of him. And that twinkle in his eyes. We had the best “arguments” about politics, never convincing the other to switch sides but we always had a great time.

Bobby was a true southern gentleman and was one of the most thoughtful and kind men you would ever meet. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

I originally met Bobby Luckie when he was on the board at Vulcan Park and Museum. I was working there at the time and he was always telling stories about his life in advertising during board meeting breaks. I went into advertising because of those stories; he always made it seem like it was so much fun! 🙂 I started working at Luckie in February 2011 and the rest is history. He wasn’t wrong...there’s never a dull moment in this industry and after it’s all said and done, it really is fun. I’m so thankful for knowing Bobby, and better yet, getting to be part of the Luckie family. Although I’m not at Luckie anymore, I’m still in advertising, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hard to share just one. I think of B3 as the consummate southern gentlemen. As a client, I had the pleasure of traveling with him and his associates many times. He always made sure I was doing well during the shoot, that my hotel room was fine, etc. It always took me by surprise because I thought of Mr. Luckie as "the big dog." He never acted like it. I've never met anyone who listened as well as B3 and took as extensive notes. I loved sharing Alabama football stories with him and discussing books we were reading. Roll Tide B3! You'll be greatly missed.

B3's dad interviewed me for an art position when I graduated from Auburn in 1962. B3 would have been 15 at the time. I took a position elsewhere, then two years later became advertising manager for the Connors Steel Division of the H K Porter Company. Guess who the agency of record was. Yep, Luckie and Forney. I remember Bob Luckie as one of the sharpest, smoothest advertising executive I've ever met. During my career, I would have remembered watching him in action and hope that some of that rubbed off on me. I never knew his sons but from reading the comments of others, I know he passed his business and personal acumen on to them. I'm sorry for your loss at this time.

Wonderful memories as a very close fraternity brother. We were very close back in the day.

Bobbie embodied kindness. He had a selfless way about him that most people aspire to have and he just possessed. He was engaging, encouraging, engrossing and the consummate gentleman. I loved talking about Alabama football with him and he immediately made me feel welcomed and appreciated at his family business. Though my time was short at Luckie, I will treasure my memories of Bobbie.

I am honored to have hosted many a gab session in my office with B3! His quick wit and corny jokes got me every time. Whenever the power went out (which could be often at the office some years), he always came to me to find out what was going on since I had worked at Alabama Power and managed the account for the agency. It was a running joke between us that I would grab my hard had and bucket truck and go take care of the problem. His genuine interest in others and love for his family which included everyone in the agency is truly inspirational. I will miss him terribly. Hugs to all the Luckie family and especially Jill and his girls.

Grandfather

We were pledge brothers in 1965 at Phi Delta Theta at U of A. Our friendship starts there. We studied together. Later we were groomsmen in each other's wedding. I recall that one night we were studying for a final exam and found a five year old test given by our professor and we studied that. The next day the professor handed out the same test. Bobby looked at me and said "should we miss a few to make it look good?" I said "B this is a once in a lifetime chance, I'm going to make 100%". We both made an A in the course. Bobby treated everyone he met as a gentleman, not because they were but because he was.

Bobby worried. He worried about me. He worried about you. He also worried about office equipment shorting out and resulting in a fire. Some people would say that he worried too much. But if it was anything, he just cared too much. He felt an enormous sense of responsibility for not just his employees, but their families too. You knew he truly cared. And the special love that he had for us gave the agency a sense of being a part of a family. His family. We lost a good one. Maybe the best. And I'm worried. Because we won't be the same without him.

I worked with Bobby when he was just starting out in advertising and worked in the "Basement" of the Luckie building. Bobby was a wonderful person and an inspiration to all those who knew him. He always had a smile on his face. Bobby treated everybody as though they were his best friend. When you met Bobby he never forgot you and was never to busy to talk with you. Bobby was loved by all who knew him and will be terribly missed. Much love to his wonderful family.

Oh, this breaks my heart. Truly one of my favorite people on the planet; generous, thoughtful, funny, relational, compassionate, and a million other luminous characteristics. It may be cliche, but B3 would have given the shirt off his back to anyone. What a gift to have worked with him for 25+ years and to have known the four wonderful women--his wife and his girls--whom he treasured so dearly. Sending love to this special family.

I remember Bobby would come by my office every morning and say "Good Morning Sunshine". He always asked about my family. He was so supportive and kind. I will miss you, B3!

I'm not sure I could name a more thoughtful, kind and sincere person than Bobby Lucky. Of all the blessings from my eight years with Luckie, working with Bobby and seeing his big-hearted spirit in action was certainly one of the best. I'll never forget his diligent note-taking in client meetings, his wry smile when he made a joke and his consummate warmth to everyone around him.

The funniest early memories of Bobby was when skinny Bobby dressed as Santa at Christmas on the circle in Colonial Hills. Some of the kids swallowed his lap but he could still belt out a hefty Ho, Ho, Ho!!! We were all amazed and tickled that his own kids thought he was the true Santa. I’ll miss the jolly ole elf. 🥰

It was an honor to work for Bobby. He always told me the best stories. His attitude always made me want to do my best. He was and is a rare gem.

Bobby made the world a much better place. He was inspiring, kind, thoughtful and a very good man. Many will miss him.

B3 was the nicest guy in the business and a true gentleman. Funny how getting selected for half of that sandwich could really turn your day around. It was just one of the many ways he had of saying "I care about you." It's a unique brand of kindness that will be truly missed and cherished.

Bobby was absolutely one of the finest people I have ever known. Always gracious and supportive to each and every employee that worked at Luckie. He did not manage from the corner office. He managed from his heart. He got to know everyone who worked for him by spending time with each person, asking how we were, listening and offering advice when we needed it. Always telling stories and sharing a good laugh. He taught me a lot about the ad business, but he taught me more about life and the importance of treating everyone with respect, and always being humble and kind. It’s a great loss for the Birmingham advertising community. And a bigger loss for the Luckie Family that had the pleasure of working with him. We will miss you B3! Thank you for caring for all of us. We will hold on to the lessons and gifts you shared with us forever.

Remember him refereeing George’s birthday party games in your front yard. So bored, but loved Tommy enough to do it

B3 was endowed with a noble kindness. A trait that can sometimes seem rare in today’s world. He had a glint of wit that danced in his eyes when he told a joke. And he wore politeness with the deepest sincerity. We would all do well to share a little of his light with the world.

Bobby was a wonderful man. I admired him so much. We laughed and told great Alabama football stories. His pastor wanted to meet Bart Starr so I asked Bart to join us. We had a great lunch and Bart signed a few items but the stories went on for hours. I will always treasure our friendship. He was always so generous and gracious with his talent. I am grateful to call him my friend.

B3 was the definition of Southern Gentleman, One of the kindest souls I've ever known. Thank you B3 for the example you provided to all of us.

Bobby was the kindest person I’ve met. It was an honor to work for him for more than 13 years. He always thought about you and your family. He always wanted the best for you. He was thoughtful, caring, a true gentleman and professional. He had the highest level of integrity. Our thoughts are with the entire Luckie family. His memory lives on. Brian & Andrea Pia

Bobby was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Whenever I saw him, he was never too busy to stop whatever he was doing and exchange pleasantries: a kind soul, a sweet spirit. In an industry where reputation is everything, I've never come across someone who was more respected than B3. It was an honor to know him. My deepest sympathies to the Luckie family. I know this loss is tremendous.

B3 was a great man. I am so sad at his passing. I worked for and with him for about 15 years at Luckie. There was no nicer, sweeter, kinder person. I really enjoyed our conversations about SEC Football and Baseball (though he was a Red Sox fan). Will miss him terribly. RIP Robert Luckie

When I think of Bobby Luckie, five words come to mind. Pink Eye Purple Hulled Peas. For months he convinced me to try them. For months I said he made up this weirdo vegetable for jokes and was just trolling me. But one day, he brought a giant bag of those magical beans to my desk. He even taught me how to cook 'em. And, Lord, they were GOOD. That's the kind of man B3 was. Giving, compassionate, absolutely hilarious and deeply insightful. I'm forever grateful to the Luckie family for taking a chance on me and hiring me for my first job here in Birmingham. And I'm even more grateful to have forged such a powerful friendship with B3. Nothing made me smile wider than seeing him come around the corner to crack jokes and share sage wisdom. We've lost a giant in the ad industry today but his legacy lives on. Thank you, B3. For the recipes and the friendship.

There were so many things Bobby and I disagreed about. Politics. Football. Logo size. But we always agreed on how you’re supposed to treat people. And while many of us know the right things to say, he truly lived his values. Be humble. Be generous. Be kind. You always got the sense that when he asked you about your work or your family, he really wanted to know. He took the term “family business” literally. And he treated everyone like family. He was the heart of the agency even after he stopped prowling the halls on a daily basis. I suspect his legacy of humanity will exist as long as there is a Luckie & Company. At least I hope it will. I remember the day I interviewed at Luckie. I was sitting at the conference table, Ed on one side, Tommy on the other, both drilling me with questions. Bobby sat at the end with what I perceived as a scowl on his face. He hardly said a word. I thought to myself, “that must be one mean son-of-a-bitch.” How wrong I was. I will miss you, my friend.

Luckie was where I started my career right out of college. Bobby was always walking the hallways with a kind smile and warm welcome. He knew his people and always took the time to see how someone was doing. And if you ever met him in the kitchen, he always offered you half of that sandwich. Servant leadership at its finest.

Just a few years ago, “Bobby Luckie” popped up on my iPhone just before Christmas. He was calling to catch up and reminisce about a wonderful New Year’s I spent hosting him and Jill at the Tournament of Roses Parade. The part of that trip he loved most was visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. He was in heaven. I am so thankful for all the time I spent with him, all I learned from him and all the sandwiches we shared in the diner. My world is better because I knew Bobby.

Bobby had the amazing gift of making you feel like the most important person in the world when he talked to you. And he was incredibly thoughtful. One time, he asked me if my dad had read a certain book (I can’t which book it was, but it had something to do with Alabama football.) I told him I wasn’t sure if he had read it or not. The following Monday, he brought a copy of the book to my desk and said, “That’s for your dad. Make sure he reads it. He’ll enjoy it.” Bobby was special like that. ALWAYS thinking of others. What a great honor to have known him!

I am honored to be one who was offered a half of B3's sandwich. I took him up on his offer once, and it was a great meal shared that I'll always remember. Your kindness was unmatched and will be so missed.

Bobby - Who will ask if I had any great BBQ lately? It was an honor to know you and you're already missed.

Bobby - you will be missed so much. Thank you for being an incredible mentor to all of us and for all your kindness and generosity.