Charles Riggs Ferguson Sr.
Published 3:48 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Ferguson Sr.
Charles (Charlie) Riggs Ferguson, Sr. was born October 31st, 1934 in Natchez, Mississippi. He was 80 years old when he passed away in his home in Poplarville, Mississippi on May 24th, 2015.
He is preceded in death by parents, Randall Hewitt Ferguson and Louise Riggs Ferguson, wife Rose Bellan Ferguson, and two brothers, Randall Ferguson, Jr. and Paul Ferguson.
He is survived by his wife Julia Carson Ferguson, his five children: Jim Thaddeus Ferguson (Tia) of Huntsville, Alabama, Charles Riggs Ferguson, Jr.(Patricia) of Centerville, Virginia, Katherine Bellan Ferguson (Robin) of Poplarville, Clements Carson Ferguson, and Paul William Ferguson of Hattiesburg, Mississippi .
He is also survived by his three sisters, Catherine Killelea, Mary Ann Mascagni of Natchez, MS and Patricia Lawless of Kiln, MS and two brothers Frederick of Natchez and Prentiss of Mandeville, Louisiana.
He is survived by nine grandchildren: Rose Mary Read Ball (Jason), Angela Read, Emily Read, Matt Read, Kate Brandon Ferguson, Riggs Ferguson, Zachary Ferguson, Devon Ferguson, and Carson Ellis Ferguson. In addition he is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Charlie taught biological sciences at Pearl River Community College where he worked from 1987 until retirement in 2011. Prior to that, he taught at Alcorn State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Southern Arkansas University, University of Eastern Kentucky, and University of Dallas. In the 1970’s and early 80’s, he owned Louisiana Biological Supply Company and was president of Delta Biological Supply Company.
He received a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a MS in Microbiology from the University of Southern Mississippi and also completed PhD course work at Oklahoma State University. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Poplarville, Mississippi.
Charlie loved family, friends, nature, and music. He is remembered for playing the flute, piano, banjo, guitar, and harmonica. His humorous story telling ability was phenomenal.
His funeral service is at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12 Bilbo Hill Drive, Poplarville, MS, 39470 on Thursday, May 28th, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
