Curtis Olan Ferguson
Obituary
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 also 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!
Services will be held on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at Holland Chapel Baptist Church, 15523 Interstate 30, Benton, AR 72015. Visitation will be at 12:00 noon. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m.
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 AR 72015 OR Donate online at www.amplifyfest.org