George Thomas Ferguson's Obituary
Home-going services for George Thomas Ferguson, of Leesville, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 11, 2022 in the Hope Springs United Pentecostal Church, Burial will follow in the Pine Island Cemetery in Leesville.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5:00 P.M– 8:00 P.M in the church.
George Thomas Ferguson passed away on February 6, 2022 at the age of 80, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. Even throughout his short battle, he kept those around him laughing and smiling as they cared for him through the end.
A man who stood head and shoulders above everyone he met, he was beloved by every person who had the privilege of his company. He never met a stranger, and never faced a problem he couldn’t find a way to solve. He was always going to tell a joke just to see someone else smile, but he would not let his own smile be captured in photographs. Once the grandkids came along, though, that dislike for pictures would fade and he would be found surrounded by the smiling faces of his family.
As a young man, he was a part of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Polk. This endeavor brought him to the love of his life, Joyce, whom he married 3 short months later and moved to Baton Rouge. This pair would build a beautiful life together on a solid foundation and love for God. During his time in Baton Rouge he learned the trade of mechanics and auto body repair. This would be his signature trade through life when they moved to their home in the Leesville area. He was a hard worker and at times held 2-3 jobs. He would make sure the job was done correctly and no short-cuts were taken. He took pride in his work and it reflected with each job.
On his own time, he learned to play the banjo. He enjoyed eating boiled peanuts and drank sweet tea by the gallons in his green and yellow cups. A man with a spirit gentle and kind, he had his moments where he made sure there was more than enough, from overflowing strawberries and bushels purple hull peas, to endless pickled bologna.
As many would know, his love of mechanics poured into his hobby of building hot rods for racing. He was always going to find a way to make things go just a little faster. As the saying goes, “Find something you love to do for free, then find a way to make money from it.” He found that and he worked with the Leesville fire department, Bellsouth, Fort Polk Civil Service/ Role Play, and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department. In each position he worked in the role of mechanic or overseeing others in the auto shop. Through each of these experiences, he gained a collection of friends that would be there throughout life and beyond.
He is survived by his kind and loving wife of 58 years, Joyce. His beloved daughters: Sonya Toney, married to Dale Toney; and Donna Barrio, married to Richard Barrio. His 3 grandchildren: Ashley Miller, married to Jared Miller; Brandon Toney and Jessica Barrio; his 2 great-grandchildren: Jaxon and Adalynn Miller; and one brother: Glenn Ferguson. In addition to many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Patricia Ramsey) and his infant son, Daniel Wayne Ferguson.
We love you and will miss you more than words can say.
Words of Comfort may be expressed to the Ferguson Family at www.labbymemorial.com
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