Charles Riggs Ferguson Sr.

Published 12:01 am Friday, May 29, 2015

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Oct. 31, 1934 – May 24, 2015

POPLARVILLE — Services for Charles “Charlie” Riggs Ferguson Sr., 80, of Poplarville, who died Sunday, May 24, 2015, at his residence, were 3 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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 1970s and early 80s, he owned the Louisiana Biological Supply Company and was president of the Delta Biological Supply Company.

Charlie received a bachelor of science in biological sciences and a master of science in microbiology from the University of Southern Mississippi and also completed his doctorate course work at Oklahoma State. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Poplarville.

Charlie loved family, friends, nature and music. He will be remembered for playing the flute, piano, banjo, guitar and harmonica. His humorous storytelling ability was phenomenal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose Bellan Ferguson; and two brothers, Randall Ferguson Jr. and Paul Ferguson.

Survivors include his wife, Julia Carson Ferguson; five children, Jim Thaddeus and wife, Tia, of Huntsville, Ala., Charles Riggs Ferguson Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Centerville, Va., Katherine Bellan Ferguson and husband, Robin, of Poplarville, Clements Carson Ferguson and Paul William Ferguson of Hattiesburg; three sisters, Catherine Killelea, Mary Ann Mascagni, both of Natchez, and Patricia Lawless of Kiln; two brothers, Frederick of Natchez and Prentiss of Mandeville, La.; nine grandchildren, Rose Mary Read Ball and husband, Jason, Angela Read, Emily Read, Matt Read, Kate Brandon Ferguson, Riggs Ferguson, Zachary Ferguson, Devon Ferguson and Carson Ellis Ferguson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.