Robert Andrew “Bob” Ferguson of Hattiesburg passed away Monday, February 14, 2011 at Forres
t General Hospital. He was 93.
Known to many as “Coach Ferguson”, he dedicated 35 years to young boys as a baseball coach in Hattiesburg. He is best known for his years coaching Rice Potato Chips in the Dixie Youth Program. Once asked about his experiences, Coach Ferguson summed it up with “I’ve never coached a bad boy.” Many young men learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship, values and teamwork along with some good basic baseball skills. All one had to do was mention a former player, and Coach would recall their position played and who else was on that particular team. He took great pride in his experiences and often stated that he received so much more from his coaching than any player ever did.
Contributions of his time were always a gift Mr. Ferguson was willing to give. He led Cub Pack 11 in the early years before Hattiesburg had any organized youth programs. More than once, he served as the President of the Hattiesburg High Booster Club, ICH father and Dusty father. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed it for many years after his retirement. Mr. Ferguson was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon in past years.
Mr. Ferguson was employed with Hercules, Inc. for 42 years and held various positions including Power Engineer and Plant Engineer. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated in 1939 from the University of Delaware with a degree in Civil Engineering. A transfer with Hercules in 1943 brought him to Hattiesburg. He made it his home and raised his family.
Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Frances Staats Ferguson, his parents, Herbert Bye and Frances Beauchamp Ferguson, a brother, Herbert, Jr. and his two son-in-laws, Ronald A Krizman and C. Wayne Chatham.
Survivors include his children, Frances Ferguson Krizman of Mobile, Robert Andrew “Andy” Ferguson (Jennifer), and Mikell Ferguson Chatham all of Hattiesburg. His was the proud grandfather of five, Robert Anthony Krizman, Ronald Andrew Krizman (Amber), Wendy Ferguson Cox (Dave), Michael Wayne Chatham (Tarah), Christopher Andrew Ferguson and four great-grandchildren, Megan Krizman, Emma, Aaron and Trevor Cox.
Visitation will be Thursday, February, 17, 2011 from 5 PM – 8PM at Moore Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday at 11:30 in the Moore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Roseland Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandson-in-law. Honorary pallbearers include every little boy that loves baseball.
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