Don Carlos Ferguson

Don Carlos Ferguson, 64, passed away on July 2, 2025, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on November 10, 1960, in Panama Canal Zone. Donnie lived a life marked by deep faith in God, love for his family, and a passion for music, cooking, and finding laughter and humor in life.

Donnie graduated from Kendrick High School in Columbus, Georgia. His love for culinary arts led him to attend L'Ecole Culinaire Culinary School in Memphis, Tennessee. Before moving to Florida, he worked at Blues City Cafe in Memphis for many years.

When not working, Donnie was casting a line with his favorite fishing buddy, his son Brandon. Donnie found great joy in those quiet moments. He also loved experimenting in the kitchen, always eager to try new recipes and create something special for his family.

Donnie had deep faith in Jesus Christ. A particularly meaningful moment came when he and his wife Denise were baptized together in the Gulf at Perdido Key Beach, as a public declaration of their shared devotion. That sacred place took on even greater significance when their son Brandon chose to be baptized there just days after Donnie's passing.

Family meant everything to Donnie. He is survived by his beloved wife Denise Ferguson; his cherished son Brandon Ferguson; sisters Terri Odland (Charles) and Debbie Fontaine (Eric); step-siblings Linda Cook (Joe), Jeff Cooper (Dawn), James Cooper (Nicole), and Robert Williams; stepmother Gisela Ferguson; mother-in-law Bonnie Harrison (Randy); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Carlos Ferguson; mother Fulvia Rose Ferguson; nieces Stephanie Strange-Olds and Brittany Odland; and nephew Elisha Fontaine.

Those who knew Donnie remember him as sentimental and humble, a man full of gratitude for God's grace and compassion. He found joy in simple pleasures; from watching episodes of *The Chosen* or Andy Griffith, to playing guitar and harmonica. Donnie had a great wit about him and loved making others laugh as well as finding humor with those who, he knew, were appreciating his laughable moments.

Donnie lived with an open heart, grateful for every blessing, and left behind a legacy of kindness, faithfulness, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing and strength to carry forward the values he held dear.