Bobby Ferguson

Former Texarkana AR Mayor Bobby Ferguson died Tuesday, February 14th after a brief battle with liver cancer. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm on Friday, February 17th at East Funeral Home Chapel, Downtown Texarkana.

Known as Fergy since childhood, Bobby was born in Minden, LA on August 29, 1932 to Harry and Daisy Lee Ferguson. They moved to Texarkana where his family owned Fergy’s Photos on Broad Street. He was a graduate of Texarkana AR High School where he was a cheerleader and played trumpet in the Razorback Band. Mr. Ferguson attended Texarkana Community College and Oklahoma Baptist University until he was called into military service. He had two sisters, Daisy Marie, and Margie, as well as two brothers, Harry Jr. and Jack.

He married Martine Ellys Collins in 1954 and after a brief stint in the Army he was stationed in Fort Riley, KS. They resided in Texarkana, AR where he was employed with Walsh-Lumpkin Drug Company for 44 years as a pharmaceutical salesman.

Survived by his wife, Martine and his children and their families; daughter Elizabeth Suggett and husband Rusty, son Collins Ferguson, daughter Katherine Hosey and husband Joseph. Along with four grandchildren, Stephanie East, Stephen Ferguson, Melanie Mosley, and Andrew Ferguson, as well as 4 great grandchildren. As well as two beloved pets, Scottie & Charlie.

Bobby's political career began in 1968 when he first was elected to the board of directors of the City of Texarkana, AR. From 1974 to 1992 he served as Mayor of the City. During his city service he was also involved in the Municipal League and National League of Cities. He was also a frequent traveler to Little Rock and Washington, DC working hard to obtain grants and services for his city.

Some of these visits resulted in obtaining more than $70.3 million in state and federal funding for facilities such as the Bi-State Justice Center, the Millwood Water Treatment Plant, and the Texas Waste Water Treatment Plant on South Stateline.

Among his other accomplishments was the re-location of the Four States Fair and Rodeo from Spring Lake Park to its current location on the Arkansas side. He also secured $15 million in housing bonds that resulted in more than 300 new homes for low income families. He began the Senior Citizens RSVP program, the Dial-a-Truck initiative, helped start the 911 and paramedic emergency response services.

After his retirement from the City in 1992 he continued to serve the people of Texarkana and Southwest Arkansas on various boards and commissions. His service included; Miller County Quorum Court, Texarkana Arkansas School Board, Genoa Water District and Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission.

For 32 years, he was a partner with Jerry Shipp, first in a restaurant and later in Porky's Food Service. The company catered many political fund raisers and social events over the years. He was also seen quite frequently at area fairs and festivals with his red signature hat selling his Bar-B-Que and turkey legs.

He was eager for new projects and challenges while always optimistic. His greatest enjoyment was any event he could celebrate by cooking and having his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around, and taking the whole family on the annual pilgrimage to Shreveport or Little Rock for dinner on New Years Eve.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 16th from 6-8 pm at East Funeral Home in downtown Texarkana.

Services will be Friday, February 17, 2017 at East Funeral Home-Downtown with Craig Jenkins officiating. Burial following at Memorial Gardens in Texarkana AR.

Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com