Jesse "Jay" Ferguson

Jesse Junior “JJ” Ferguson passed away June 24, 2021. He was born in Batesville, Arkansas on October 4, 1924 to Jesse Monroe and Alma Louise Garrison Ferguson, and raised in Humphrey, pronounced “Umphrey”, where he worked in farming and for the USPS. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and Korea, serving aboard the USS Tennessee, and the USS Hoquiam. He worked as a machinist for J.B. Cook for 43 years before retiring. Jesse was a longtime member of Lawson Road Church of Christ.

Jesse loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and was a beekeeper for over 20 years.  He fed the neighborhood from his garden. He was a co-manager of the local baseball field and was known for his wicked sense of humor.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, his wife of over 50 years, Katie Hinson Ferguson, and many friends. He is survived by his daughter, Sandi Atkinson; son, Dennis Ferguson; sisters, Sue Taylor, Lucy Williams and Louise Bunch; granddaughters, Jessica McCoy, Jeni Ferguson; grandsons, Chris Ferguson, Jeremy Ferguson, Caleb Ferguson and eleven great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, July 3 at 12:00 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.