of Clarksville, AR
June 23, 1948 - September 16, 2017
Thomas E. Ferguson of Clarksville, AR was born on June 23rd, 1948 and passed away September 16th, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Louise Ferguson of Little Rock.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ferguson of Clarksville; two children, Shea Hylton (Todd) of Clarksville, AR and Josh Ferguson (Mindy) of Pea Ridge, AR; two sisters, Judy Wood of Mabelvale, AR and Anita Axelson of Poyen, AR; seven grandchildren, Blake Grubbs, Nate, and Hannah Kate Hylton, Troy, Finn, Wren, and Hutch Thomas Ferguson. Tom was a loving husband, father, son, and friend.
Tom was a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas. He was an employee of the US Forest Service for 31 years and served in the Navy on the USS Coral Sea. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hike, fish, and bike. He enjoyed his time volunteering on the Ouachita VISTA Trail.
Visitation will be from 12:30 - 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Sardis United Methodist Church. Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas.
Tom was a dear friend to us. He loved his family and he loved the outdoors and was a beautiful human in all ways. We have so many great memories with him whether it was hiking, jogging, wallyball, or working, it was special! We will be thinking of Tom today, tomorrow and always! He was a shining light in all ways! That is how we will remember him.
Tom worked for me for several years when I was the District Ranger at Mena. Tom was an excellent employee and very dedicated to his profession, his family and the Forest Service. He was fun to work with and liked by everyone. My sincere condolences to Sandra and the rest of his family. He will be missed.
God's Blessings, Robert Mitchell
On a short list of some of my favorite people in the world, Tom is there. We made memorable treks in the Ouachita Mountains - Caney Creek Wilderness, Flatside Wilderness, and other trails. To remove fallen trees in wilderness, he hiked with a cross cut saw bowed over his backpack. We often left Benton, long before daylight, to do trail maintenance in the Caney Creek. He kept me entertained by telling of his USFS fire assignments in the western states. I was also pleased to meet his family at his retirement. I was sad when I learned of his Alzheimer's diagnosis. I am sad to learn of his passing. He will be remembered.
To Sandra and all of Tom's family: I am so sorry to learn of his passing - I got to know and learn from Tom when Forest Service business brought us together occasionally. Humble, genuine, dedicated, smart, and savvy - My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy - ~Pete.
Will always remember Tom & Sandra. Bicycle enthusiasts of the 70's. Thank you both for your voluntary contribution to bicycle touring & racing in ark.
Tom was one of my favorite people to work with. He knew the woods and he knew how people used the woods. A kind friend I will greatly miss. Work takes me away so I will miss the service. Rest In Peace.
Tom used to bicycle with us in Little Rock. He was a very kind and friendly man. We enjoyed it when he could come. At one time he was in poor health and then was able to ride again and I know he liked that. I hope he can continue to ride and do trail work from above.
I remember working with Tom when I first started working for the forest service here on the Winona Ranger district. I got to go work with on doing some trail work and to do some campsite re claim work I was in my twenties then but that guy could walk and seem to never get tired I know you will be missed and dearly loved your job with the forest service.
Tom moved away from LR several years ago, but when he lived here, he rode most Sunday rides with ABC on his vintage bicycle. I have missed him in the last few years, because I had a vintage bicycle that I rode with him. He was on a trails program on AETN and was very proud of his trails work. My thoughts are with his family. May he Rest In Peace!
Knowing Tom and his family was one of the most memorable times in my life. Remembering Tom when he went into the Flatside Wilderness area with a crosscut saw and cut a large tree that had fallen across the Ouachita hiking trail. Tom was well known for being able to eat more than me at any group gathering and trust me that's a copious amount of vittles. He often took me fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the South Fourche river and undoubtedly would catch more than me. I have some great memories of Tom and his family.
I have not seen Tom in many years, but fondly remember many hours spend walking, talking, planning, and critiquing trails. Tom was a fine man and a great asset to the Ouachita National Forest and Arkansas. Tom, I hope to walk with you again one day...
We will miss you, Tom. You were a good friend and a long time supporter of Arkansas trails. Your early support to Friends of Ouachita Tail (FoOT) was important to our success. Your long time support to Arkansas Trails Council was influential and appreciated.
Farewell Old Friend. I will never again walk the banks of the Cossatot River without remembering your fishing exploits there. Rest in Peace.
Tom was the nicest and most pleasant person i have ever had the pleasure of working with. He will be missed by all.
To the family of Thomas Email. Ferguson. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. John 5:29