Family and many friends lost a kind, gentle soul with the passing of Richard Douglas Ferrell, who was surrounded by family and friends Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Born on May 18, 1949, to legendary Arkansas Razorback athletic trainer Bill Ferrell and Rita Ferrell, he was a lifelong resident of northwest Arkansas.
Richard moved through life reaching out to all with a friendly smile and a positive sense of humor which he inherited from his parents and shared with his ten Ferrell brothers and sisters. From his time as an adventurous youth to his years as a beloved father and grandfather he spread goodwill.
Sports played a key role in his life. A lifelong Razorback fan, Richard, who was literally raised around Razorback sports locker rooms and facilities, played for the Fayetteville Bulldogs in high school. He developed a love for the outdoors and never passed up an opportunity to go fishing or hunting with friends and his brothers, especially his brother Bobby. He often made hunting and fishing trips out of state and internationally.
Richard was employed in several business fields during his life including being manager of Premium Beer Brands Distributor in Fayetteville. He closed out his professional life with Lindsey and Associates real estate firm.
Raised in the Catholic faith, Richard lived the ethical principles he learned as a student at St. Joseph School in Fayetteville. As a business leader he used his influence to provide handicap access along the shores of Beaver Lake. He served as a volunteer umpire for local Little League games. Richard served as a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, Samaritan House, and also as a volunteer chaplain at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Mary Jude Gibeault, Edward Ferrell, Rita Keever, Robert Ferrell, and Joe Ferrell.
He is survived by his siblings Billy Ferrell of Austin, Texas, Rachael McGrew of Little Rock, and Ann Wilson, Virginia Russell, and Dubie Duerr of Fayetteville along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He has also survived by his two daughters, Jessica Ferrell and Bricky Ferrell; his son, Willie Watts of Farmington, Arkansas; and his grandchildren, Gabriel Ferrell, Jalen Blackburn, Kalin Hendrix, Lillian Ferrell and Christian Cole of Fayetteville.
The family wishes to express special gratitude to Barbara Cooper, Richard’s best friend and dancing companion during his declining years, who stayed vigilant and lovingly by his side until his passing.
A visitation will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with a rosary to follow at 11 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. all at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville. Interment will be at 12:45 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
To leave an online tribute, please visit bernafuneralhomes.com.