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Forrest Ferrell Obituary

Forrest Ferrell
September 08, 2022
Hickory, North Carolina - Forrest Andrew Ferrell, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Born August 26, 1938 in Greensboro North Carolina he was the son of the late Henry Clifton Ferrell and Louise Williams Ferrell. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Henry Clifton Ferrell, Jr. of Greenville N.C. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Becky Hailey Ferrell, daughters Hailey Lail (Scott), Sarah Temple (Jack) and Leslie Forrest Ferrell; grandchildren Graham Banks Lail, Ferrell Moore Lail, Jack Edward Temple and Sierra Louise Temple; brother Malcolm Rea Ferrell (Alexey) of Greensboro, Helen Morton (Richard) of Greensboro, Anne Quillen (Bill) of Crossville TN, sister-in-law Martha Ferrell of Greenville and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a 1956 graduate of Greensboro Senior High School, a 1960 graduate of High Point College (now High Point University) and received his LLB degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1963.
He began his career in law as Assistant County Attorney in Guilford County. He began private practice in Greensboro in 1964 and then moved to Hickory N.C. and continued in private practice until 1974 when he was elected as resident Superior Court Judge and served with distinction for 24 years. Upon his retirement from the bench he joined the law firm of Sigmon Clark where he practiced law until his illness. Ferrell was a mentor to many young lawyers.
During his tenure on the bench he served as Senior Resident Judge, as chairman of the N.C. Criminal Justice and Education and Training Standards' Commission, Vice President of the NC Bar Association, Board of Directors of NC Judicial Conference. was appointed to the NC Courts Commission, served as delegate at the National Conference on Sentencing, National Conference on Rural Justice, and National Conference of Judges, and was president of the NC Conference of Superior Court Judges.
He was a member of St. Albans Episcopal Church. He was a very active member of the community serving in many different capacities including PTA President of both College Park Junior High School and Hickory High School, coach of youth basketball for the Hickory Recreation Department, member of the Board of Foothills Conservancy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Catawba Valley Community College, member of the Hickory Rotary Club, member of the Hickory Recreation Commission. He was a life long supporter of the Democratic Party.
Ferrell was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Jim Hunt in 1998, a Lifetime Achievement Award from High Point University in 2014, and the Citizen Lawyer Award in 2017.
Of his many proud accomplishments Ferrell and friend Gene Sigmon organized and coached the Catawba Valley AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) youth basketball program promoting women's athletics. Over 50 college scholarships were awarded to participating female athletes and two state championship games were won.
Ferrell was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, cut wood, and ride motorcycles. He loved the law, he loved his family and friends and he loved helping others achieve their goals whatever they were.
A service of thanksgiving and celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 16 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 130 39th Avenue Place NW in Hickory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Forrest A. Ferrell Hickory High School Athletic Scholarship Sigmon Clark, PO Drawer 1470, Hickory, NC or to the charity of one's choosing. The service will be livestreamed by the church.
The Ferrell family will be forever grateful to the greatest caregivers ever: Greg, Aby, Ada, Sonia, Dilma, Helen, Debra, and Robert, as well as the staff at Carolina Caring.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the Ferrell family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Lucy Inman

September 16, 2022

I got to know Judge Ferrell when he occasionally presided in Wake County Superior Court and I was working as a newspaper reporter. Among other judges and lawyers, he inspired me to pursue a legal career. Long after he had retired, he mentored me in my service as a Superior Court judge and in my service on the Court of Appeals. He helped judges and lawyers do their very best. And he was always kind in giving advice.

Susan Lunsford

September 15, 2022

Working as a clerk in superior criminal court in the early 1990´s, Judge Ferrell inspired (talked me into) becoming a Magistrate judge for Catawba County. He was always so positive and reassuring. Forever the gold standard of fairness and respect.
Praying God gives you comfort during this time and blesses you with wonderful memories of this special man.

Tracey Trimble and Hickory Furniture Mart

September 14, 2022

Hailey, Scott and Forrest's entire family, We are all so deeply sorry for your loss. I never had the chance to meet Forrest personally, but I have heard so many others speak fondly of him over the years. I know how respected he was in our community, but more importantly, how much he was truly loved by so many. As you mourn his loss, may you cherish the special memories you shared together. Those are the moments that will live on forever in your heart and soul and allow you to one day smile again when people mention his name :-) Peace, love and comfort as your hearts heal, Tracey Trimble and your Hickory Furniture Mart family.

Morgan Sommerville

September 12, 2022

I fondly remember the short time I worked with Forrest Ferrell, on the Putnam Mine case (near Newland, NC). He was great to work with and a huge help. My sympathies to his family - I hope you will have good memories of him, as I do.

Martha Hill

September 12, 2022

Becky, my deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of loss and grief.

Jeff Johnson

September 12, 2022

It was an honor to know Forrest and will always remember him providing me a recommendation letter to be a Governor's Page to then Governor Jim Hunt. He took time to meet with me and talk with me in addition to providing the letter. May Forrest rest in the loving arms of his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.

JoAnn M Johnson

September 12, 2022

Forrest was a good man! His memory will be cherished.

Scott Corby

September 12, 2022

I was horned to meet him and positive way about him there wont be another like ever his a true role model and great man we all see him soon rip and godbless his family he was a great leader I was lucky to have met a man of his caliber

Candido Olguin

September 10, 2022

A Great Man that I thank GOD for knowing and I am happy for having great conversations with him. I thank GOD for knowing his Wife and his Family.

Edward Hoover

September 10, 2022

Truly a man of God . We coached against each other . I loved his spirit . May God continue to bless the family.

Rev. Don & Helen Bledsoe

September 10, 2022

We send our most sincere condolences, along with our prayers for Comfort & Strength!

john millholland

September 10, 2022

very sorry to here of his passing. i used to love eating lunch with him at rotary and enjoying his story

Sharon and Brad Colaw

September 10, 2022

The dear Honorable Judge Forrest Ferrell was a wise, kind and humble man. He meant so much to us both. Thank you Ferrell Family, for sharing some of your special family times with us. We will always cherish these memories along with his charm, wisdom and humor. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Owen McGuire

September 10, 2022

I loved Judge Ferrell very, very much. He was a friend of Police Officers with all his heart. I testified in his Court during the many years he was on the bench and he treated every one fairly, Judge Ferrell was always very friendly and spoke and smiled each and every time I saw him. I loved him for who he was and I will miss him. My condolences to the family. Major O. M. McGuire, Retired Hickory Police Department, and my wife Jo McGuire that also thought the world of him and was in his Court many times observing trials.

Richard Shaffer

September 9, 2022

As a young prosecutor I had the great honor and privilege of appearing before Judge Ferrell. He possessed a great legal mind which he coupled with a powerful presence. Over time we became friends. His stories about the exploits of various lawyers, judges and cases were an important part of my legal education. My dealings with him made me a better attorney. He loved the law but he loved his family and living even more. He lived a full and long life. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest well my friend. I have no doubt he is hunting and telling big stories with Gene and Fielding, the heavenly legal dream team!

Sonia Camack

September 9, 2022

It's was a honor and a pleasure to know Mr.Forrest
I will truly miss you .Heaven welcome a King Home take your rest King
Love you.

James Gulick

September 9, 2022

I had the great good fortune to meet Forrest Ferrell during the Clark Stone case involving the Putnam Mine in Avery County. At first as adversaries and later on the same side, we grew to have great respect for one another as lawyers.

Jondra Brown Caldwell

September 9, 2022

Judge Ferrell was an amazing man and he really made me see life differently! He helped me in so many ways and ABSOLUTELY changed the trajectory of my life! AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN!

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Memorial Events
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Sep

16

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

130 39th Ave. Pl. NW, Hickory, NC

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Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory

334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601

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