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

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com