Billy E. Ferguson

Billy E. Ferguson, 84, of Fayetteville, passed away July 5, 2012, in Fayetteville. He was born July 16, 1927, in Fayetteville, to Hosea and Mary McKee Ferguson. He grew up in Fayetteville, graduating from University High School in 1945. The same year he left for the Army to serve in World War II. He returned home and in 1948 married his one true love, Maxine Bryant. Dad worked in the automotive field for 17 years at Chandler Motors in Rogers, Ark., but mostly as parts manager at Phillips Motor Company in Fayetteville. In 1965, he began his 24-year career with the Postal Service in Fayetteville where he was a city carrier, retiring in 1989. He took great pride in his work, evidenced by cards and packages he received from his customers for several years after his retirement. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. He also served on the Farmington School Board and was a longtime member of the Farmington Booster Club and other various organizations. Dad was extremely proud of his family. Some of his greatest moments were when daughter Becky was born after having four sons, and walking the Farmington High School sidelines watching those sons play football, listening to Bob Wills music and square-dancing with Mom or catching those big catfish out of the White River. Dad was truly a person that never met a stranger and was a very giving person and, until his last days, always shared his sense of humor. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville for the care and compassion given to our Dad the last weeks of his life. Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years; his mother and father; his brother, James Ferguson; sister, Virginia Graham, two great-grandchildren; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his children, Gary and Carol Ferguson of Fayetteville, Jim and Barbara Ferguson of St. Paul, Billy and Teresa Ferguson of Siloam Springs, Bryan Ferguson of Fayetteville and Becky and Doug Smith of Evansville; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Ferguson of Prairie Grove and Margerite Bryant of Uniontown; brother-in-law, Don Graham of Okmulgee, Okla.; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 9, at Beard's Funeral Home in Fayetteville, with Paul Woodhouse and Paul Young officiating. Burial will follow in Farmington Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, July 8, at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the funeral home. His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. The family asks that memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville.