Robert Louis Ferrell

Robert Louis Ferrell, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home Sept. 8,  2021 after a two year struggle with cancer. Born in 1948 in Philadelphia, PA, Robert, known throughout his life as “Bobby”, moved in 1950 with the growing family of his father William  “Bill” Robert Ferrell, and mother, Rita Dougherty Ferrell, to Fayetteville, where Bill became the  renowned trainer of the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Ferrell family continued to prosper, and  Bobby thrived in loving chaos with his 10 brothers and sisters, becoming a regular visitor to the  Razorback athletic department.  

Known always for his quick wit, smile, and cackling laughter, Bobby received his educational  and moral base at St. Joseph Catholic School, and finished his early education graduating  from Fayetteville High School in 1966. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  During his service he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Seabees. After his  return to civilian life, he was active in veterans organizations, including AmVets and the  American Legion.

 Bobby enrolled in the University of Arkansas after his military service, and graduated with a  Bachelors of Science in Education. After a year of public school teaching and coaching,  Bobby entered the business world, where his good humor and hard work propelled him quickly  to advancement. In a few short years, he became a manager for Southwestern Bell (which was  later incorporated into AT&T) and was a leader of that company in Fayetteville and Fort Smith  for 27 years, including in 1979 being appointed Area Manager, Business Office Operations  which covered a large section of the state. Because of his winning personality and  communication skills, Bobby became Community Relations Manager in Fort Smith and often  acted as a liaison with state legislators during legislative sessions in Little Rock.   Bobby was active in several civic organizations in Fort Smith and Fayetteville, including  Telephone Pioneers of America, the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Club, and the Elks  Club. He received many awards during his career, and was honored with the Pioneer of the  Year Award for his community service. Although he was openly frugal in his personal life, he  was quietly generous in supporting his extensive family and friends in need and giving to  worthy public causes.

Early in his SW Bell career, Bobby reconnected with a family friend from his youth, Kay Bullington, and in 1986 they were married. They shared an appreciation of a common sense of  humor and caring for many causes during their 35 years of marriage, including rescuing and  adopting numerous greyhound dogs, who are often put down following their racetrack careers.  After his retirement from AT&T in 2000, Bobby and Kay returned to Fayetteville, where he  began the third phase of his life as a public servant. Bobby was asked to become interim president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure he was instrumental in  promoting the growth of the local economy, and turned over a thriving Chamber of Commerce  to current Chamber President, Steve Clark. He then continued his service to the city after  winning election to the Fayetteville City Council. He was re-elected and served eight years on  the Council, helping to guide the city government successfully through several controversial issues, during the period of the greatest growth the city had experienced.   During his life Bobby was an avid sportsman with a special passion for fishing. As often as possible with his busy schedule, he would take time to join his many friends, and often his  brother Richard, to spend an afternoon angling in local streams and lakes. He tried yearly to  join a bird hunting excursion to Kansas. Many considered Bobby, nicknamed “Otis”, as their  best friend, and enjoyed his many humorous tales and jokes during these sporting ventures. 
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Jude Gibeault, Edward Ferrell, and Rita Ferrell Keever.

He is survived by his wife Kay Bullington Ferrell and siblings  Bill Ferrell of Austin, Texas, Rachael Ferrell McGrew (Larry) of Little Rock, Richard Ferrell of  Mountain Home, Ann Ferrell Wilson (David) of Fayetteville, Virginia Ferrell Russell of  Fayetteville, Joseph Ferrell of Fayetteville, and Carol “Dubie” Duerr (Delmar) of Fayetteville. He  is also survived by 23 loving nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 at 11:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic  Church, 1722 N Starr Dr, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Following the funeral service a burial  ceremony will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, 700 S Government Ave,  Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Larry Phipps, Bob Prince, George “Bo” Morton, Bill  Coleman, Harry Cross, and Frank Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Boy Scouts of America  (www.bsafoundation.org) and Greyhound Pet Adoption (GPA), 2016 Arlington Terrace,  Springfield, MO 65804