Cecil James Ferguson

Cecil James (Bunny) Ferguson, 77, of Benton, died on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. He was born July 23, 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William and Lillie Ferguson. Cecil served our country in the US Navy from 1956-1958. He retired from the Little Rock Fire Department after (23) years of service, and later served on the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, including serving as a Board member for many years. He belonged to the Little Rock Retired Fire Fighters, and was active in many activities, involving the retired Fire Fighters, and Central HS reunions. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He loved the outdoors, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandson. He had been a proud parent to many dogs and cats in his life, including his current dog Etta. That love of animals was passed to his children as Etta will now be well-loved in his daughter, Sherry's home. He was especially fond of eating out and loved Italian food. He was a history buff and loved reading • books about historical events. He had a wry sense of humor. He always thought of others, insuring that his wife, daughter, and son were able to attend college, and he already had a college saving plan for his grandson. He enjoyed family vacations, even later in life. Cecil was a long time member of Salem United Methodist Church in Benton. He volunteered in many positions there, and was well loved by the members. Cecil met the love of his life, Annie Marie, on the street while stationed in Kingsville, Texas and they were married after only (20) days, and were married for (57) years. Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Robert (Bob) Ferguson. He is survived by his wife, Annie Marie Ferguson, brother, William (Bill) Ferguson, daughter, Sherry Ferguson, son, Dan Ferguson, daughter-in-law, Beverly Ferguson, and grandson, Nate Ferguson • The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any of the following: Salem United Methodist Church (www.salemumc-benton.com, 501-316-2282), Churches Joint Council on Human Needs (CJCOHN, 501-776-29120), or the Humane Society of Saline County (hssaline.org, 501-557-5518). Services will be held at Salem United Methodist Church, 1647 Salem Road, Benton, Ark. 72019 on Monday, July 25, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Online guestbook www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.