Harold L. “Hal” Ferguson, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Ferguson, Jr. on April 22, 2025. Born on December 3, 1938, in Cleveland, MS, he was the son of the late Lavern Ferguson and Allene Burford Ferguson Crockett.

Hal was well-known for his welcoming, gregarious, friendly, hardworking, and god-centered personality. He was a beacon of kindness, lighting up every room he entered. Hal spent most of his early years in Senatobia, MS, before later settling in Homewood, AL, where he spent the majority of his adult life raising his three children with his loving wife, Frances. They were devoted members of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for forty years and were deeply involved in every aspect of church life. Hal was a loyal husband, father, and amazing grandfather, our “Pop Pop,” who always placed his family first.

A proud Ole Miss graduate from the class of 1960, Hal went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in 1973. He had an accomplished law career with Spain & Gillon and Dominick, Fletcher, Yielding, Wood & Lloyd before running his own firm, Ferguson, Frost, and Dodson, and finally retiring in 2006. Despite his professional success, Hal saw his family as his greatest accomplishment and cherished every moment spent with them.

Hal was a man of steadfast faith, regularly attending First Baptist Church of Oxford, MS, and was deeply involved in community service. He volunteered at The Pantry of Oxford and Lafayette County, the Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation, The Ole Miss Alumni Association, and NAMI Oxford. His caring nature was evident in his dedication to causes close to his heart, including NAMI, for which he was the current president. He also gave generously of his time to support deployed soldiers, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the American Cancer Society.

Hal found joy in life’s simple pleasures—Italian and Chinese food, black coffee, and the timeless sounds of jazz, blues, country, and early rock and roll. A passionate Ole Miss fan, Hal never missed a chance to cheer on the Rebels. He also followed the Saints, the Boston Red Sox, and the Braves with unwavering enthusiasm. He was an avid reader with a love for the Bible, World War II history and newspapers delivered to his doorstep. He also enjoyed Lonesome Dove movies, Broadway musicals, and staying active with his trainer. His enthusiasm was infectious, bringing absolute joy to those around him. He also deeply valued community, his connection to the Homewood and Oxford communities, and enjoyed spending time on the Gulf Coast and exploring Civil War battlefields.

Hal was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances Fleming Ferguson; his sister, Peggy Phillips; and his parents, Allene Ferguson Crockett and Lavern Ferguson. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Bergeron and her husband, Joe, of Oxford, MS; his sons, Verne Ferguson and his wife, Kellie, of Atlanta, GA, and Chris Ferguson and his wife, Amy, of Vestavia Hills, AL; and six grandchildren: Brooke Ferguson Spencer and her husband, Jack; Maggie Ferguson and Davis Ferguson, all of Atlanta, GA; Eli Ferguson and Blakeley Ferguson, both of Vestavia Hills, AL; and Molly Bergeron of Oxford, MS.

The lessons Hal instilled in us – to love family, to love the Lord, to believe that hard work pays off, and to live each day to the fullest without taking a moment for granted- will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He taught us the importance of showing up for others, because we never truly know the burdens they may be carrying. His legacy is a testament to a life lived fully, generously, and with unwavering kindness.

The family will receive friends for visitation on April 29, 2025, at 9:30 AM at North Oxford Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. He will be remembered as a kind, loving, and wise man by everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Ferguson’s memory may be made to NAMI of Oxford, attention Carol VanBesien, Treasurer, 399 Meadowlawn Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.