of Benton, AR
October 11, 1938 - June 16, 2024
Curtis Olan Ferguson, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on June 16th, 2024.
Curtis was born on October 11th, year unknown according to him……. to George Washington & Beulah James Ferguson of Benton. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harold Ferguson. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vera Richardson Ferguson; sons, Wyatt (Lynn), Bart (Kimberly); grandkids, Kyle (Christen), Kurt (Lindsay). Kelly (Connor), Clark (Taylor), Sam & Caroline; great-grandkids, Hadley, Harper, Roni & Tripp Ferguson, Luke, Grant & Will Smithson and sisters, Wanda Hill and Linda (Autry) Barnes and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Curtis came to town from ''The Narz'' (Narrows Road), Crows Station Area in the late 50's. He found a way, making a living selling appliances and tires for Goodyear in downtown Benton. It did not take him long to work his way up to being the youngest manager in the Memphis region.
Soon after moving to town, he married Vera Richardson of Bryant and they had two sons. In 1963, they opened Ferguson's Town & Country Furniture, TV's & Appliances and later built what is now Ferguson's Furniture. He was a longtime member of Holland Chapel where he was head ''tail-twister'' of all special events and participated in many other areas of outreach.
Curtis was instrumental in the development of the Benton/ Bryant area. He and Vera also loved to travel together. He was a pilot and enjoyed everything about aviation. Curtis was always smiling and looking to make a deal. When the grandkids came along, his priorities shifted and he never missed any of their activities. Poppa created many adventures for them. Some of their favorites included downtown bike riding, hiking in ''The Narz'', airshows, riding horses, Indy races and special trips for each grandkid. As they grew up, he instilled a great work ethic by giving them tailor made jobs around the furniture store; a.k.a. Curtis' School of hard knocks.
Curtis Ferguson to know him was a gift. He was a larger-than-life figure who had a laugh that infected any circle he was in. He was a storyteller at his core and his stories caused roars of laughter from good ole boys to millionaires alike. He lived with 100[[][%]] intentionality, punching a straw in the middle of life and drinking all it had to offer. He left tangible memories with anyone he came in contact with, especially his grandkids. He had an unrivaled work ethic and a big vision to match; an unstoppable duo and we see what that can accomplish when we look back over his life.
He had the rare quality to leave ''Curtis sized'' impressions on people and if you were blessed to get close enough, your life was forever impacted in some way. Everyone is glorified in their death, but Curtis is honored in how he LIVED. What a legacy to be inspired by! He will be missed, but we'll keep telling stories about him in the generations to come.
After his stroke in 2017, many people stepped in to help and encourage him on this unexpected journey. We are forever thankful for the countless family members and friends who provided food, visits and rides, which sometimes led to
getting him in trouble.
We would like to give a special thanks to the employees of Elder Independence Care and Pleasant Hill Senior Services for the love and care shown to Curtis. You added to the joy of his life and ours!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Amplify Fest (A Christian music festival with the focus of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ-something very dear to Curtis' heart!). Amplify Fest, 15523 I-30, Benton, Arkansas 72015 or donate online at www.amplifyfest.org .
A visitation will begin at 12:00pm followed by a service beginning at 1:00pm Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Holland Chapel Baptist Church, 15523 I-30, Benton, AR 72015.
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15 Condolence(s)
Wes Fagan
Thursday, June 20, 2024
My sincere condolences and prayers to your family. I remember Mr. Ferguson very well, always had a smile on his face for anyone he came across. The community lost a tremendous pillar without a doubt.
Sterling and JoAnn Johnson
Thursday, June 20, 2024
So sorry to hear of Curtis’ passing. Loved being in Sunday School with him for years at Holland Chapel. He was always so upbeat and could put a smile on your face. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Vera.
Rebecca Patton
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Prayers for the family during this difficult time!
Bob
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I am so saddened to hear this news. Curtis was one of my very first, and certainly my all time favorite client, while working at KARK channel 4. Always upbeat, with a smile and looking for an adventure … what a terrific guy. While our paths rarely crossed post my KARK days, I often thought of him and will forever remember him with fondness.
Lacey Brooks
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Praying for everyone during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. Love you all!
Lamont Cornwell
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Curtis was the best salesman I have ever met. He sold me the land for the Sears Store in Benton. As you might expect I thought I paid too much and Curtis convinced me I paid too little. He told me to go around to every laundry mate in town and put a flyer on every car there advertising washer and dryers on sale at Sears. I cant tell you how many of the flyers produced a sale in my store.. He continued to not only support me but anyone else working to help Saline County grow. He is a man we can never replace. A man who was always positive always willing to help and quick with a laugh to brighten your day. I had the privilege of working with Curtis on many projects throughout the years. Saline County will never be the same. He is not gone he just doesn’t live here anymore. Lamont
Sandy Lambright
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Curtis. I was Dr Skelleys nurse for 14 years. Dr Skelley rented the office from him we worked in. We saw Curtis often. He was so good to all of us. Alot of good memories through the years.
May God bless your family.
Randy and Kelly Yates
Monday, June 17, 2024
Sorry for your loss, Curtis was a great man and very caring. He is in no more pain singing with the angels. Praying for the family.
Jim & Julie James Kilduff
Monday, June 17, 2024
We sure will miss Curtis, he was part of my life since the day I was born. But I know where he is, and we’ll see him again. No one like him, ever. We have lots of family stories, mostly hilarious, to keep us company til we meet again. Love you Curtis, give Dad a hug from me please & tell him I miss him.
Paula & Gary Robertson
Monday, June 17, 2024
We love you guys so much and are so sorry you have lost such an amazing man! He was always such a ray of sunshine every time we saw him. He will be greatly missed! Curtis and Vera will always hold the most precious place in our hearts! Love, Paula & Gary Robertson
Cathy Haley
Monday, June 17, 2024
The family of Gerald Haley sends our deepest sympathies to the Ferguson family at this time. Prayer and hugs are sent your way.
Bill Kincannon
Monday, June 17, 2024
To the family, so sorry for your loss. To know Curtis was to love him. He was bigger than life and usually had an answer for everything, even if it wasn't exactly the truth. We are all better by just knowing him. Curtis is truly a Legend in the furniture business and in the history of the Ashley Furniture HomeStores. Whether you needed a little humor or a wake-up call, he always knew what to say. He certainly was a mentor to me and sure, many others. Curtis will be missed, but not forgotten.
Rest in Peace my friend, you are finally home.
Skip and Debbie Radican
Monday, June 17, 2024
Praying for comfort and peace during your time of sorrow!
Condolences,
Skip and Debbie Radican
Greg & jeannie Nalley
Monday, June 17, 2024
We will miss Mr. Ferguson he was an inspiration for many of us as we grew up in Benton and the surrounding areas. Alway had a smile and happy to see everyone. The world needs more gentlemen like him.
Greg
Dan & Sarah Jane Yoakum
Monday, June 17, 2024
He was a great friend!
His stories made everyone laugh and feel good.
We will miss him.