Thad Norman Ferguson

Thad Norman Ferguson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016. Thad was born on Sep. 25, 1921 to Dica and Finis Ferguson in Banner, Ark. He attended high school in Beebe, Arkansas, before joining the U.S. Coast Guard to serve his country during World War II. After serving in the military for four years, he graduated from Little Rock Junior College (UALR). A talented athlete, Thad played college and AAU basketball at the national level, and pitched in minor league baseball. He worked for several years at the Carlisle rice mill, and for most of his life as a farmer, rancher, and general contractor. Thad was preceded in death by his parents; sister Rosalie (Ferguson) Humway; and brother Joel Ferguson. A dedicated and proud family man, he is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Camilla (Carlisle) Ferguson; six children: Mike (Kay) Ferguson of Greenbrier, Bill (Paula) Ferguson of Cabot, Randy (Debbie) Ferguson of Conway, Rhonda Ferguson of Little Rock, Stan (Chrissy) Ferguson of Maumelle, and Kim (Bob) Johnson of Harrison; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers Vince (Joy) Ferguson and Owen (Iris) Ferguson; and sisters Cathryn Northcutt and Dorris Lloyd. The Ferguson family would like to thank the 4-North staff at Conway Regional Medical Center and Arkansas Hospice for their wonderful care. Memorials may be made to Hickory Plains Cemetery c/o Doyne Turner, PO Box 277, Hickory Plains, Ark. 72066. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at Hickory Plains Methodist Church, with funeral service following at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Hickory Plains Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.