Joe McFerran

Dr. Joe McFerran, age 94, Fayetteville, Arkansas, died December 15, 2011. He was born with his identical twin Jack on March 22, 1917, in Grand Prairie (Franklin Co.) Arkansas, the son of Bradley and Alice Pritchett McFerran. He grew up on the family farm near Ursula and graduated from Charleston HS. His education continued at Arkansas Polytechnic College, the University of Arkansas (B.S., M.S.), and Cornell University (Ph.D.). Joe was a leader who served his country and community and was dedicated to improving the lives of the citizens of Arkansas. A veteran of WWII and recipient of the Bronze Star, he saw service as a 1st Lt. in North Africa, Germany, Austria, France, and Italy (Monte Casino). He served in Germany during the Korean War. As a member of the Arkansas National Guard, he attained to the rank of Lt. Colonel and commanded both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 142nd Field Artillery. He began his 50-year career in agriculture as a student and research assistant at the University of Arkansas and was a professor in the Dept. of Horticulture for 33 years. Known throughout the state as a plant breeder of pink tomatoes (Traveler, Traveler '76, Bradley, Ozark Pink, and AR 7985), he also developed, with support of his colleagues, pickling tomatoes (Pope), turnips (Crawford), and okra (Jade, Jefferson, Lee). Other research included work on spinach, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. He was known for his excellence in teaching and mentoring of students and he was pleased to have helped develop the Arkansas agricultural economy. Joe joined Central United Methodist Church in 1957 and was active as a Sunday School teacher, Official Board member, and usher. He was a member of Kiwanis Club and delivered Meals on Wheels. In the 1960's he was elected and served several years on the Fayetteville City Council. Joe is survived by a daughter, Joann McFerran Mount and her husband R. Terry Mount of Wilmington, N.C.; a son Michael James McFerran and his wife, Susan Atwood McFerran of Fort Smith; three McFerran grandchildren, Jane, Ann, and Allen his wife Malarie; sisters-in-law Carmon McFerran of Texarkana and Billie Love McFerran of Corsicana, Texas; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret Lorene Cravens McFerran; brothers Paul, James, and Jack McFerran; a sister Joyce McFerran Staggs; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law and nephews and nieces. A very special thanks to Joe's personal caregivers and physicians, the staff at Butterfield Trail Village, and his many devoted friends and former students for helping Joe in his last few years. Committal service will be 1 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville. A Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville with arrangements under the direction of Moore's Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Boys 4-H House Alumni Scholarship, ATTN: DBCAFLS Development Office, AFLS E-108, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 or Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1106, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702 or a charity of ones choice. To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.