Charles Ferguson

Mr. Charles (Chuck) Ferguson, age 70, died peacefully at home in his sleep on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on January 10, 1936, in South Point, Ohio. He was the son of Harold and Irene Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson arrived on the coast in 1974 after retiring from the United States Air Force with 20 years of service, including duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the Ocean Springs VFW, Post 5699. He began a career at Ingalls Shipyard in 1974 where he was a shipfitter. After a semi-retirement in 1994, he was employed with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory until 1998. Mr. Ferguson was a very dedicated member of the Ocean Springs Elk Lodge #2501. Joining in 1979, he served in many capacities within the lodge, including the office of Exhaulted Ruler during 1992 and 1993. He also served all the lesser offices leading to that position. He was chosen as Officer of the Year in 1995 and 1996. He also held the position of District Deputy to the Grand Exhaulted Ruler (National President) in 2003 and 2004. His accomplishments in Elkdom are too numerous to list, but include the Elks annual Hoop Shoot Contest, Ocean Springs Fishing Rodeo and the D.A.R.E. Program. He served as Lodge Secretary from 1997 to 2001 and was Chairman of various Elk committees. His dedication never waivered in serving Elkdom, his lodge or his brothers. Mr. Ferguson will be sorely missed by his brothers and our community. He was also very actively involved with the Ocean Springs Elks Mardi Gras Committee, where he reigned as his Majesty King Fidelity XVIIII during the 1994 carnival season. He also served as the Grand Marshall of the 1998 Ocean Springs Mardi Gras parade. Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Marjorie Lorraine Ferguson and his parents, Harold and Irene Ferguson. He is survived by three sons, David (Helen) Ferguson of North Biloxi, Mike (Cindy) Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, and Mr. Fergusons fiance', Val Brennan, all of Ocean Springs, MS., three grandchildren, Georgeann Park of Chipley, FL., Kana Ferguson of San Antonio, TX., and Shawn Ferguson of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, James and William Ferguson of South Point, Ohio, and two sisters, Betty Burcham of South Point, Ohio, and Patty Erickson of Colloden, WV. Visitation will be on Friday, February 17, 2006, from 6-9 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will be on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at Highland Memorial Gardens, South Point, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in Charles (Chuck) Fergusons name to the Elk's National Foundation at P.O. Box 881, Ocean Springs, MS., 39566. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com