of Ponca, AR
August 30, 1925 - February 4, 2023
Hubert Lee Ferguson, 97, of Boxley, Arkansas, died from natural causes on Saturday, February 4, 2023, surrounded by his family at home on his farm in the Buffalo River Valley.
Hubert was born August 30, 1925, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to William Clarence Ferguson and Alice Beeble Ferguson. He is survived by two children, John Ferguson (Gloria) of Conway and Francie Bolter (Brian) of Mayflower, with 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife of 62 years, Mary Virginia Robins Ferguson; his brother, W. C. Ferguson, Jr.; his sister, Eleanor Baldridge and his son, William L. "Bill" Ferguson.
Hubert moved with his family to Conway, Arkansas, after his mother died. His father married Olive Meadors and accepted a teaching position at Arkansas State Teachers College, where he eventually became provost. The young Ferguson family spent several years on university campuses as Clarence pursued his doctorate, initiating Hubert's enduring value of education and life-long learning. He was an avid reader throughout his life and, in his later years, embraced technology as his iPad allowed him to read three newspapers daily: The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Hubert met Mary Virginia in junior high and remained high school sweethearts for 62 years. Their only separation was Hubert's combat service in World War II with the 1st Battalion 341st Infantry, Company A, 4th Platoon. Following their marriage in 1946, they attended George Washington University and then came home to complete their degrees at Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA). Hubert then joined his father-in-law in the family business, Conway Printing Company, publishers of the Log Cabin Democrat. He continued to run the commercial printing operation until his retirement in 1980.
Hubert joined the Arkansas National Guard, serving as a company commander in the 153rd Infantry, Company G, retiring at the rank of Major. Throughout his time in Conway, Hubert was active in the Arkansas Democratic party. He served as a local president and statewide officer for the American Red Cross and was a member of First Baptist Church, where he sang tenor in the church choir.
Hubert was an avid hunter and a founding member of the Conway Big Island Hunting Club. He also had a life-long passion for farming; during his Conway years, he rented various pastures on the outskirts of Conway to raise cattle, and his large farm near Springhill in North Faulkner County likely sparked the dream that led to his and Mary Virginia's subsequent move to the Boxley Valley on the upper Buffalo River. There they developed Jimmy Creek Farm, Hubert's second love, allowing him to engage in improving the Hereford cattle breed, make hay, keep the fences up, and grow a large garden every year. Being in Boxley also afforded Hubert and MV time to hike and explore the Ozarks, float the Buffalo and host friends and family in enjoying these activities as well.
Hubert and MV's time in Boxley were particularly special because it brought them close to nature and allowed them to live their values of conservation and preservation. Along with MV, Hubert was active in the effort to save the Buffalo River, a lifelong member of the Ozark Society, and supportive of numerous environmental causes and organizations. Both were avid birders and combined this interest with a love for travel, often treating family to marvelous travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad.
Hubert's Team Ferguson who, over time, has included Rain Mako, Suzanne Hayes, Elise Hisler, Barbara Metzger, Gia Tate, Theresa Miller and Janice Neville, was instrumental in Hubert's ability to remain on his farm after Mary Virginia's death in 2014. In his last years, his wide circle of friends who visited was sure to find him enjoying the view from his front porch rocker or reading the winter days away in the warmth from his wood stove.
A Celebration of Hubert's life will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 AM in Boxley.
Memorials in Hubert's memory may be made to the Ozark Society, 695 E. Calvin Street, Fayetteville, AR 72703, www.ozarksociety.net
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17 Condolence(s)
Gaye Hampton Rusk
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Hubert & my Dad, Wayne Hampton were great close friends! They Turkey hunted on Big Island in Desha County & killed many ducks on my Dad land & Reservior! They went Pheasant hunting in South Dakota many years in Misto’s plane! They became instant friends when my Dad was in the House of Representatives & Hubert’s firm printed all House & Senate bills & other reading material!
I visited Hubert several times & he had so many stories about he & my Dad, Wayne Hampton. Hubert kept me laughing the whole time I was there!
I will always treasure my time visiting MV & Hubert & then just Hubert! He missed MV so much & now what a reunion with her and ALL his many FRIENDS!!
KELLEY Shaw RICHARDSON
Thursday, May 4, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I fondly remember so many visits to their home with Neil Compton and my mother, Kay Schroeder Richardson.
After sweet Mary passed we often made the drive to check-up on Hubert. Each time he had something interesting to share with us.
They lived life to the fullest and are reunited now as they have reached their forever home. What a long wait they had for this day. He always mentioned his wife and missed her dearly. He will be missed.
Sandra Farmer
Thursday, February 9, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Hubert’s passing. I always thought the world of Hubert and Mary Virginia. They were wonderful people and were such good friends to Moma Duty. I loved that they bought and fixed up my Aunt Bessy’s house. I grew up playing there and was so happy they kept the place looking so good. He was a really good man. I loved visiting with him. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy. Sandra Fowler Farmer
Bill Eddins
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
I got to spend several college years cowboying and hay baling with Hubert and MG. He taught me several things, including that I had no taste for scotch and that he had a big heart. Have thought of him often over many years.
Dell Eddins
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Francie and John I sure did love your parents and am thinking of y’all tonight as I just learned of Hubert’s passing.
Jim and Mary Dean Meadors Mainord
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Olive Ferguson was my aunt and when she and Clarence were married, Clarence became my uncle. Their children became my cousins. I cherish the memories of the Meadors and Ferguson family members and will keep you all in my prayers.
Rodney Kestner
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Francie, John and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Hubert. It has been a privilege to get to know and spend time with Hubert, MV and all the Ferguson clan..We will cherish all the time spent hiking, canoeing, rafting or discussing all the world’s problems on the front porch at 5:00. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rodney and Caroline
Marilyn Adams
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
It is with sadness that we say farewell to Hubert. James and Hubert shared many fun times hunting on Big Island and especially turkey hunting in the mountains close to Ponca. I imagine Hubert and James are having a reunion and sharing all their hunting tails. My fond memory was our horse Henrietta that Hubert bought from James, unbeknown to me. So, hence “our†horse. Hubert ended up selling that sweet mare back to me in her later years. John and Francie be comforted in knowing you were greatly loved and cherish the memories of both MV and Hubert. Deepest sympathy.
Jo Ann Roth Cooper
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
My family has close ties to yours and I was so sorry to hear of Hubert death this morning.
John Meadors is my cousin and Olive Ferguson was his Aunt. My mother, Alma Edwards Roth, was a close friend of Virginia Ferguson. I loved your family all my life and knew of these connections. My Uncle, John Edwards' wife, Lucille was Aunt to Eunice Noland, and I feel close to that family too. Your family is in my prayers.
Marsha Black McClanahan
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
How our family loved the Fergusons. The memories flood my heart and mind. I join in their joy of a life well lived as everyone who knew Hubert celebrates him.
Rosemary Lynch Adlong
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Hubert gave me my first job when I was 16 years old. He was a very kind and gracious man.
David Ward
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Hubert has been a life long friend to me and the Ward family. I will always remember the many duck hunting trips to Hampton’s Reservoir in Stuttgart and deer hunting at Big Island. He and Mary Virginia graciously took care of me when my whole family moved to Saudi Arabia for a business venture. They were very patient with me and took me on trips to their property on the Buffalo River. I have so many great memories if the times spent with them. Later, my daughter Leah decided to make a solo trip to New Zealand and Hubert helped her with planning and even put her in touch with his friends there in case of emergency. I could go on and on but especially want to express my deepest condolences on behalf of the Ward’s to John, Francie and the rest of his family.
Jerry Reynolds
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
A fond memory of the time Hubert and MV gave me and Sondra G. a tour of their farm and cattle, not to be confused with the elk, in their Lexus. I was the official gate opener and closer. May their spirits remain forever in Boxley Valley.
Julie Hill
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Hubert was a remarkable man. Not too many years ago he drove me and my sister, Melinda, all around Boxley and his farm in his truck. We rode all over the pastures and Hubert told us stories about living in that beautiful valley. When Hubert and MV lived down the street from us in Conway our families shared some great times.
Hubert will be missed by so many people. Sending love to John and Francis.
Nancy Hartney
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
With fond memories as Hubert and MV are free to continue watching over the Box Valley and Buffalo River.
Joe Isom
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Hubert's passing gives me such sadness. What a wonderful man. I have the best memories of him, such as taking me to his farm as a young teenager, and teaching me how to drive his pickup and how to shoot a pistol. He and Mary Virginia were like a second set of parents to me, and I always loved going down to their house to play and learn stuff from them. My condolences to his family and friends.
billy lindsey
Monday, February 6, 2023
My condolences. Looking forward to seeing ya'll.