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Robert Ferguson Obituary
Hattiesburg
Robert Andrew "Bob" Ferguson of Hattiesburg passed away Monday, February 14, 2011 at Forrest General Hospital. He was 93.
Known to many as "Coach Ferguson", he dedicated 35 years to young boys as a baseball coach in Hattiesburg. He is best known for his years coaching Rice Potato Chips in the Dixie Youth Program. Once asked about his experiences, Coach Ferguson summed it up with "I've never coached a bad boy." Many young men learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship, values and teamwork along with some good basic baseball skills. All one had to do was mention a former player, and Coach would recall their position played and who else was on that particular team. He took great pride in his experiences and often stated that he received so much more from his coaching than any player ever did.
Contributions of his time were always a gift Mr. Ferguson was willing to give. He led Cub Pack 11 in the early years before Hattiesburg had any organized youth programs. More than once, he served as the President of the Hattiesburg High Booster Club, ICH father and Dusty father. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed it for many years after his retirement. Mr. Ferguson was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon in past years.
Mr. Ferguson was employed with Hercules, Inc. for 42 years and held various positions including Power Engineer and Plant Engineer. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated in 1939 from the University of Delaware with a degree in Civil Engineering. A transfer with Hercules in 1943 brought him to Hattiesburg. He made it his home and raised his family.
Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Frances Staats Ferguson, his parents, Herbert Bye and Frances Beauchamp Ferguson, a brother, Herbert, Jr. and his two son-in-laws, Ronald A Krizman and C. Wayne Chatham.
Survivors include his children, Frances Ferguson Krizman of Mobile, Robert Andrew "Andy" Ferguson (Jennifer), and Mikell Ferguson Chatham all of Hattiesburg. His was the proud grandfather of five, Robert Anthony Krizman, Ronald Andrew Krizman (Amber), Wendy Ferguson Cox (Dave), Michael Wayne Chatham (Tarah), Christopher Andrew Ferguson and four great-grandchildren, Megan Krizman, Emma, Aaron and Trevor Cox.
Visitation will be Thursday, February, 17, 2011 from 5 PM ? 8PM at Moore Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday at 11:30 in the Moore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Roseland Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandson-in-law. Honorary pallbearers include every little boy that loves baseball.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ferguson
February 23, 2011
Frannie,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers in the loss of your father. He was an inspiration to me as I worked at Hercules the summer before I left for Mississippi State. Very few men have such an influence on young boys and men as your dad at Hercules and on the baseball field.
Much love,
Trish and Bubba Harris
Mobile, AL
February 23, 2011
How well I remember the Ferguson family!! Your parents were always so upbeat and happy! So sorry about your Dad. My thoughts are with the 3 of you. Mary Rae Fridge Schmidt
Robert Warren
February 21, 2011
Frannie and Andy, I am sorry to hear about your Dad. i believe my father and yours knew each other from Wilmington High. I know they knew each other at the University of Delaware and for all the years with Hercules. Your Dad was one of the first of the Hercules people to call when my father passed away several years ago. It is hard to describe the good influence a man can have on a boy early in his life. i was a bat boy for Rice's Potato Chips in 1957 and always remember your father was a wonderful person. He will be missed. Condolences from all the Warrens.
Kathleen Toomey Lott
February 18, 2011
My heart goes out to you Frannie.
Please believe that time will help.
And, you will see him again.
February 18, 2011
Andy: I am sure sorry for your loss..Coach was a great man and always had something nice to say. He will always be remembered for his coaching and work with the youth. I know he made an impact on my life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Jim and Diane Morgan
Betty Carol Robinson
February 17, 2011
Frannie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I know you will miss him dearly. I will keep you in my prayers as you adjust.
Betty Carol Jones Robinson
Parris Jewelers
February 17, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was so much fun to wait on and took so much time and effort in selecting the perfect gift for your Mom. He truely loved her and did not mind expressing that to us. Keeping you all in our prayers. The "gang" at Parris Jewelers.
Bodie Beard
February 17, 2011
Fran,
So sorry to hear about your Father. I will always remember the pleasure I had talking to him while living across the street from you guys. I will always remember you Father walking across the street to give me a gift when I graduated from USM.
Trust you are doing well and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Bodie Beard
February 16, 2011
Dear Frannie, Andy, and Mikell,
I dearly loved your Dad and have many fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn his loss. I hope your hearts are flooded with wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time.
Betsy Gardner Tannehill, Columbus, OH
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