Ferman E Stubblefield

Ferman Emmet Stubblefield was born August 21st, 1933 in Oakhurst, Texas to parents, the late Janie Marie and Young Elijah Stubblefield. Ferman graduated from Central High school in Galveston Texas in 1949 and was accepted to Wiley College in Marshall Texas on a music scholarship where he played the clarinet in the marching band and received a B.S. in Chemistry in 1954.

While there, he pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity and worked part-time for Atlanta Life Insurance where he marketed policies to professionals. It was during this time that he discovered his interest in public speaking. Shortly after, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1956 in Ft Lewis where he received an honorable discharge.

In 1956, while visiting an army buddy in Seattle, Ferman met his lifelong sweetheart, Louise Marie Richardson who was a student at University of Washington (U of W) majoring in business/accounting. Louise also attended U of W on a scholarship and was selected as a 3rd chair clarinet musician while studying there. Both Ferman and Louise found they had many similarities and were a perfect match; they quickly fell in love and married in Olympia Washington on December 8th, 1956. They then moved to Chicago where Ferman attended Roosevelt University, in Chicago Illinois from 1957 to 1959 where he studied organic and inorganic Chemistry. In 1957, he worked as a quality assurance chemist at Percy Julian Pharmaceutical Labs in Chicago.

The next year in 1958, he received a Chicago Teacher's certificate and taught chemistry, math and general science at a local school where he also served as a student counselor. Shortly thereafter, he and Louise welcomed their beautiful daughter Felecia into the world and moved back to Seattle after a lucrative job offer.

In 1962, Ferman was hired as a chemical engineer at Boeing in Seattle where he served as an operations contractor and group leader. While at Boeing, he wrote technical manuals for aircraft overhaul and repairs. He appeared on the cover of Oracle magazine in 1966 as an Omega Psi Phi fraternity member with a featured article about his extraordinary accomplishments as a minority in chemical engineering.

Also during his employment at Boeing, he furthered his education at the U of W by completing additional advanced engineering courses. By 1964, he and Louise welcomed their wonderful son Marc into the world. During the same year, Ferman joined the Seattle Jaycees and was awarded for upholding their creed as being a "service to humanity is the best part of life."

Ferman enjoyed socializing with friends and family. He always looked forward to joining his family on church retreats, hiking Mount Rainier and taking them sightseeing while exploring the many venues that Seattle, WA. has to offer. He also found pleasure inviting church members, friends and associates to his home to meet his family and enjoy a meal.

While in the Army, Ferman was a volunteer barber and just for fun, he studied for, passed and received a State Certificate for Barbers. Consequently, during home visits with friends, he would offer them haircuts, to shoot pool, play darts, badminton, ping pong, coquette, cards, or horse shoes. He was always mindful to have ample activities for family and friends to enjoy in the comfort of his own home or backyard where the grass and flower gardens were beautiful. Both he and Louise always worked together to ensure their homes sat on well-manicured properties.

They also created loving "forever" memories while listening to and dancing to jazz music, attending classical music concerts, art shows, and rodeos, sound/light shows, serving on several community committees, bowling in leagues and traveling the world together for many years.

In 1964, Ferman aspired to climb greater heights in an effort to expand his career opportunities while providing a fantastic life for his family. His impeccable work ethic was noticed and spoke highly of by others within his field of work. As a result, Ferman was hired as a chemical engineer group leader and technical writer in the U.S. Atomic Energy Agency (AEC), which allowed him and his family to relocate to the Tri Cities in Washington State. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted at AEC to Operations Project Manager.

From 1967 to 1969, Ferman received notable certificates for improving AEC-RL and for conducting workshops on Parliamentary procedures. He was often asked to speak on behalf of AEC, which encouraged him to perfect his public speaking skills. By 1970, he was given an outstanding Toastmasters public speaking award for community service and received a home visit from Whitney Young of NAACP's National Urban League who awarded him for his outstanding achievements.

By 1974, he had written three chemical engineering licensing directives on safety policies, which were published, are a part of the Library of Congress Archives and remain in use today.

We pause to fondly recall how Ferman's career and achievements did not affect his daily commitment as a devoted, loving spouse and father to his family. Whether it be supporting Louise, with whatever she endeavored, accompanying us to school events, coaching us on school projects or well thought-out family outings; he never wavered in his patience and availability to his family. He was passionate about long coast-to-coast car drives with family to explore the USA and to learn new things. Ferman was a first class dresser and not only dressed amazingly, he accompanied every outfit with laughter and a smile. We will never forget that Christmas was his favorite holiday; his effort to make each year unique and memorable was remarkable. He even won the Tri Cities Holiday Home lighting contest twice.

After 5 years, Ferman was offered a position at AEC Headquarters in Washington, DC. Where he was transferred to the newly formed Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as a Nuclear Fuel Cycle Licensing Manager in the Office of Quality Programs. Ferman was promoted in a short time to Headquarters, Department Of Energy (DOE) in the office of Nuclear Safeguards. While there, he joined the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Dept. of Energy's Speakers Bureau and in 1980, he served on DOE’s "Tiger Team" as a Nuclear Safeguard Accident Investigator.

By 1982, Ferman was promoted by DOE to serve as a diplomat with the United Nations (UN) working in Vienna Austria at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a Senior Nuclear Safeguards Inspector and Advisor responsible for detecting nuclear deficiencies in nuclear separation facilities. This prestigious assignment required him to relocate overseas with his family and to travel extensively worldwide. During this time, Ferman was selected to serve as the IAEA President of the Toastmasters Public Speaking Division. Frequently, his job permitted him to bring his wife Louise, daughter Felecia and son Marc along on trips to experience the diverse benefits and joys of world travel. Ferman's UN diplomatic tenure lasted eight years and at the end of his tenure, he returned the DOE headquarters in the U.S. In 1991, after 33 years with the Federal Government, he retired.

Ferman's passion for nuclear engineering did not cease after his retirement from DOE as he was promptly hired as a consultant by Hanford from 1991 to 1996. This post- retirement position required him to return to the Tri Cities with Louise where they bought and expanded their beautiful forever home. While at Hanford, Ferman developed and conducted reviews of Technical Safety Standards and performed integrated safety inspections. By 1996 he was promoted to the Divisions of Safety and Compliance where worked until his second retirement in 1997.

As we further reflect on Ferman's journey, we are reminded that he lived his life with joy, a strong purpose, and a passion for excellence. Consequently, he achieved great heights, exceeded expectations and was awarded according to his amazing accomplishments. We remember him as a man whose accomplishments, values, and unwavering dedication have left an incredible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man of remarkable achievements, a relentless pursuit of excellence and tireless work ethic. All qualities that propelled him to success in his professional endeavors while earning him the well-deserved dignity and respect he received from others. Beyond his professional achievements, Ferman was a pillar of strength and wisdom for his family.

He was an extremely devoted husband who remained happily married to his equally devoted and loving wife, Louise for 67 years. He was always supportive to his son, Marc and daughter, showing them unwavering love, providing them with guidance and a strong foundation upon which to build their lives.

Ferman was a first class dresser. Not only did he dress amazingly, he accompanied every outfit with laughter and a smile. Ferman's impact and cherished friendship extended far beyond his immediate circle of friends and associates; anyone who had the privilege of knowing him knew that he lead by example, demonstrating the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance through his words and actions. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration to others; always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to those in need. His generosity knew no bounds; he touched the lives of countless individuals through his acts of kindness and compassion.

Yes, Ferman has left an unforgettable legacy with all who were fortunate to know him. As we bid farewell to Ferman, the loving spouse and father, we do so with heavy hearts but also with profound gratitude for the time, we were blessed to spend with him. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will continue to live on through the memories we shared, the lessons he imparted, and the love he gave so freely.

Our dear father/husband, your legacy will endure for generations to come, a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, passion, and integrity. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that you are at peace, surrounded by love and reunited with those who have gone before you. Until we see you again, Rest in peace, dear father/Ferman. Your memory will be cherished, and your spirit will continue to guide us always. You are already greatly missed.

With all our love,

Louise, Felecia and Marc

His brothers Walter Earl and Godfrey Van Stubblefield also preceded Ferman in death.

Left to cherish his memory is his spouse Louise Stubblefield, son Marc and daughter Felecia as well as his brothers Melvin Ray, Tobe and several nieces, nephews, cousins along with countless close friends and associates.