Clearly, Richard F. Ferguson was a man of the 20th Century.

However, his productive life continued deep into the 21st and his legacy of performance, of devotion to high ideals and of creative skill certainly will endure through many centuries to come. Others have assembled greater wealth and bigger titles but no other man in the nation has matched the intensity of his patriotism and the superb exercise of citizenship to rise to his standard. No other has better exemplified the values, the patriotic zeal, the level of courage and determination and confidence in the worth of his chosen community of residence to more completely match the ideals of the Greatest Generation of Americans. Yes he was at Pearl Harbor during the “day of infamy” and in subsequent years he has done more than any other individual to make certain the events of that day and the worth of those who died in that moment but beyond that and beyond his devotion to fundamental Americanism he also did more to sell Carthage and its virtues to the world in a super Chamber of Commerce zeal unmatched in history.
 

I am proud to say he was my friend and note that we shared firm faith in the American idea as well as a strong regard for the historic character of Carthage and with it an intense fascination for words and their use in spoken or written formats as means of communication and of opening the door upon God’s great storehouse of wisdom.
 

He used all that and more with passion and purpose in a memorable effect upon many generations of Carthaginians. An American patriot, he also was an avid hometown patriot. Each of us who were privileged to know him is better for the experience. Much to our loss, his like probably never will rise again from the multitude but his example will remain, a shining star spotlighting the glorious potential of humanity at its finest. He and I always knew that one of us would survive to eulogize the other and it pleases me to believe that he felt, as did I, that he was trusting his legacy to good hands.
 

Nearly every wholesome, inspirational and constructive organization in the comunity was assisted by his efforts. Countless church congegations over a broad area benefitted from his Biblical knowledge and effective leadership. In the textile industry and in financial circles where he labored he was a nationally known figure and an effective promoter of good ideas in marketing and distribution.
 

In any aspect of life, if it was right, dignified, hopeful and honest his hand was upon it and his strength was added to its power. But his dedication to Carthage was a dominant aspect of his life and works. From promoting a historically significant series of pioneer trail walks across the continent to his leadership among Pearl Harbor survivors, he touched the nation and made it better. At home, every Carthage resident of today and tomorrow has reason to be grateful for his dedicated efforts and for a host of others such as myself he was a reliable and trustworthy friend.
 

With personal intent: Thanks, Dick. You did it right. Enjoy the presence of God and the knowledge that you served  Him and His purposes well.