Harold Lee "Smokey" Ferguson's Obituary
FERGUSON, HAROLD “SMOKEY” was born January 20, 1924 in Centralia, Missouri and passed away Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Franklin Ferguson; mother, Thelma Darlene Martin; and brother, Richard Henry Ferguson. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy Jo Ferguson of Dallas; children, David Ferguson of Plano, Bill Ferguson and his wife Kathy Ferguson of Plano, Nancy Johns and her husband Noel Johns of Placitas, NM, and Donna Rickels of Ft. Worth; grandchildren, Kristy Soley and her husband John Soley, Brad Ferguson and his wife Heather Ferguson, Meredith Bankston, and Kasie Rickels; 4 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family relatives. He grew up in Grandfield, Oklahoma with his older brother, Richard. Smokey was a decorated Army veteran of World War II fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the military never left him. Married at age 22, he and Dot moved to Dallas in 1949. There Smokey began his own business, Ferguson Foundation Drilling. His success was directly attributed to his strong work ethic. He took pride in the fact that he always left his customers satisfied. Retiring at age 58, he and Dot traveled the US and Canada in their motor home with family members and close friends. While never being one to sit still for too long, he worked for almost 20 years for Minyard Food Stores in their produce department, finally retiring at age 85. He loved his family, telling stories, having a good laugh, and watching John Wayne movies. His favorite song was, “Why Don’t You Love Me Like You Used To Do” by Hank Williams and his favorite saying, “Save your money and buy good whiskey.” Smokey never met a stranger and relished his numerous friendships made throughout the years. Family will receive friends on Monday, July 11, 2011 from 6:00-8:00pm at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Restland Wildwood Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?