Joe Ferguson

Joe J. Ferguson, a longtime resident of Baker, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, at his home. He was 79, born in McComb, Miss. He graduated from Istrouma High School, attended LSU, and served proudly in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Nell Fussell Ferguson; son, Barry L. Ferguson and his wife, Lita Henderson Ferguson, Barry's daughter, Leslie Ferguson, and Leslie's son, Ian Ferguson. He is also survived by daughter, Donna Ferguson Miller and her husband, Byron Miller and their daughter, Claire Miller. He is also survived by son, Eddie D. Ferguson and his wife, Kathy K. Ferguson. He also has two surviving sisters, Molly Sanders York and Stella Ferguson Bloodworth, and Stella has a son, Michael Bloodworth who is married to Dolly Bloodworth. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William Lawrence Ferguson and Dimma Viana Cothern Ferguson; and an older brother, Eddie Ferguson. Joe retired from Allied Signal (now Exxon-Mobil) in 1989. His service in the U.S. Air Force was from July 1949 to December 1952. He was awarded four Battle Stars for his service in Korea. He was known for his quirky sense of humor. He was a strong man, not just physically, but also of character. A devoted and hardworking family man who placed all before himself, he was a blessing and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his dog, Dixie. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. He and his wife have been longtime members of First Baptist Church of Baker. The family would like to thank the city of Baker along with the mayor and the Police Department for their presence and attentiveness. The wake will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday, Sept, 21, from 1 p.m. until funeral at 2 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jay Avance Jr. Burial at Greenoaks Memorial Park.