Henry Hillard Ferguson Jr.

Henry Hillard Ferguson, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2020 at Lifetouch Hospice in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was born February 19, 1943 in El Dorado to Henry Hillard Ferguson and Helen Maxine Taunton Ferguson.

Henry was a 1961 graduate of El Dorado High School. He participated in football, baseball, basketball, and track. After high school, he attended Southern State College Southern Arkansas University. He played baseball in the minor leagues, but due to injuries his baseball career fell short.

Henry was with the 7th Army of the 1st Cavalry, where he served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. He was a spotter in a “Loach” helicopter and was shot down five times. He received a Bronze Star and was very proud to fight for our country.

Henry worked in the boat industry for over 20 years. He worked for CADC in Hampton, Arkansas for 9 years and retired in 2008.

Henry was an active member of the VFW, where he once served as the commander. He enjoyed playing pool with his buddies at the VFW “hut”. If he wasn’t there, you could find him relaxing at the farm. He was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Gwen Ferguson; two daughters, Traci Pendergrass of Hot Springs, and “Henri” Hillary Heaberlin (Jeff) of Bryant; two granddaughters, Presli and Malori Pendergrass, both of Fayetteville; two stepdaughters, Mia Conway of Camden, and Tia Johnson (David) of Strong; one stepson, Todd Darden of North Little Rock; his beloved fur baby, Ali; and a special cousin, Martha Dunn.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Henry touched are invited to Young’s Funeral Home for visitation Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Young’s Chapel with Mike Dumas officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the El Dorado VFW, 451 Industrial Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.

An online memorial can be found at www.youngsfuneralhome.com