John L. Ferguson passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, on September 28th, 1944, to James Louis Ferguson and Vivian Lott Ferguson. He went “home,” as he called it, just five days shy of his 82nd birthday but not before celebrating it early with his loved ones.
John served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he also competed on the Air Force pistol team. While stationed in South Carolina, he met Theresia, and during his year in Vietnam, the two fell in love one letter at a time. Just a few weeks after his return, on December 1, 1967, they were married, and would go on to share almost 59 years together. John and Theresia raised three children, and later welcomed three grandchildren, who were his whole heart.
John had a career with Scott Paper Company, later Kimberly-Clark, before retiring. He enjoyed Alabama football, the Atlanta Braves, coin collecting, and fishing. His favorite place was wherever his family was gathered, whether that was the beach, mountains, or around the kitchen table. He loved chess, cards, and many other games with his grandchildren (some of which they invented together.) More than anything, he loved hearing his family laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Ferguson Wilkes. He is survived by his wife, Theresia Ferguson; his children, Kim Twitchell (her husband, Eric), Keith Ferguson, and Kelli Ferguson Balthrop (her husband, Ryan); his grandchildren Tiana Bryant Aggrey (her husband, Aaron), Kate Ferguson, and Rylan Balthrop; and his siblings, Jimmy, Fran, Phyllis, and Charlie.
We love you, John. Dad. Pawpaw.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Ascension Funeral Home, 1016 HIllcrest Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695. At 11:30 A.M. the Presentation of the Flag will take place by the United States Air Force for John's recognition of service and being a Veteran of Vietnam followed by a short service of words from family and friends and a song from his son-in-law, Ryan. Immediately followed by a gathering with refreshments and food.
