Michael Thomas Ferguson

Michael Thomas Ferguson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so very many, sadly passed away on February 18th, 2023 at Wellspan York Hospital, due to complications stemming from his exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Mike is survived by his wife Brandi of Maytown, PA, Son Garret and Daughter-in-law Lindsey of Palmyra, PA, Son Cody and Daughter-in-law Lia of Adelanto, CA, Sister Nan and Brother-in-law Terry Mashaw of Terry, MS, Mother-in-law Mary and Father-in-law Doug Brown of Maytown, PA, 9 Grandchildren, and a very large extended family through his own family and his in-laws.

Mike was born on April 8th, 1967 in Greenville, MS to Mother, Lola Beatrice Sides, a homemaker, and Father Rufus Murray Ferguson, a Korean War Veteran and Mechanic. Mike grew up in the deep south, in a region known locally as "The Delta" in reference to the Mississippi River's Delta, the area where the mighty river's waters start to branch out before reaching their final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to this fact, the area where Mike grew up was filled with fertile soil, an ideal location for growing plentiful crops. His father was a share-cropper, and Mike grew up farming, hunting, fishing, and learning the ways of his ancestors that had been passed down for generations. Sadly Mike's father passed away when Mike was only 3 years old. Years later his mother met the man that helped raise him, and who he called his father, Bobby Abney, a farmer from Inverness, MS, who his boys grew up knowing lovingly as their Papaw.

Mike graduated High School in 1985 from Indianola Academy, in his native hometown of Indianola, MS. At the crossroads of Blues Music's origins, and home to legendary Blues singer BB King, Indianola is a town that represents a rich cultural heritage, and is a memorable place to all who have visited this majestic place.

In November of 1985 Mike left his hometown for Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. Upon his successful completion of Marine Corps Boot Camp, he was assigned to Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK. After finishing school he was then assigned to Mike Battery, 4th Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC. Mike was then selected to attend specialized Nuclear Weapons training for his weapons platform, the M155 Howitzer. Upon successful completion of Nuclear Weapons School, his unit deployed to Cuba, Haiti, and Panama. Mike's unit was later hand picked to shoot special colored target rounds for the Navy's elite Top Gun Fighter Pilots in Fallon, NV. In November of 1989 Mike was Honorably Discharged from Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps.

In September of 1993 Mike moved to Central Pennsylvania, where he continued his service to his country, joining the Pennsylvania National Guard, where he served for a time, and was again Honorably Discharged from duty. Mike then attended HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) to pursue a career in Nursing. Mike graduated at the top of his nursing class, and pursued the specialized field of Psychiatric Nursing, with his first job being at Wernersville State Hospital. Mike's nursing career spanned 25 years, it was his life's calling, his passion was always helping others, especially the most at-risk in our society, the mentally-ill.

Mike met his partner of 22 years and wife, Brandi, while working together at Philhaven, an in-patient facility primarily responsible for the care and treatment of adolescents. Together they forged similar career paths. When they weren't working, Mike and Brandi enjoyed spending time with their Jack-Russell, "Spike," cooking, especially on the grill, spending time with friends and family, and vacationing in Florida, their favorite place to be. Mike was very loved and adored by Brandi's entire family, attending family reunions with them over the years, and spending many vacations with them in Stone Harbor, NJ, another favorite place of both the Ferguson and Brown families.

Mike's sons followed in their father's footsteps, both joining and serving in their father's beloved Marine Corps. Mike was a very proud father, and there was rarely an occasion where he didn't speak of his boys in the highest regard to whomever was listening.

Mike was an ardent Patriot as one can imagine, always discussing the importance of The Constitution, and more specifically, our rights to Free Speech, and to keep and bear arms.

Mike was a people person, he was open-minded, caring, nurturing, and loving. He was also a formidable presence, especially if he was protecting his own. He believed that you should give people the benefit of the doubt, but that you shouldn't let others mistake your kindness for weakness. He was a born leader and mentor. He always offered an ear to listen, an arm to cry on, and carefully thought out advice for anyone who needed it.

Mike's passion for helping others and his desire to serve has impacted an incalculable number of lives for the better. All who truly knew him loved him and respected him, and he will be sorely missed.

Mike will be interred at Fort Indiantown Gap National Military Cemetery with Full Military Honors in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name can donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation, or any Veteran's Help Foundation of their choice.