Ferguson Funeral Home

A Legacy Begins: 

First Generation

Robert (R.T.) Ferguson Sr.

April 10, 1910 - April 1, 1987

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Robert (R.T.) Ferguson, Sr. was a remarkable man who was deeply rooted in his community, embodying the spirit of an entrepreneur in every sense. Alongside being a skilled carpenter, he was also a savvy real estate investor, owning properties and land that included a restaurant and a club to name a few—he also operated an ambulance service in the 1940s. It was through this service that his interest in the funeral business was sparked, eventually leading him to become a funeral director.

In 1951, in the heart of Rochelle, Georgia, a small tight-knit community, R.T. founded Ferguson Funeral Home with a simple yet profound mission: To provide compassionate, dignified care to families during their most challenging times. Driven by a passion for service and a profound dedication to his community, R.T.'s compassionate spirit inspired him to convert a part of his home into a funeral home, which quickly became a pillar of the community.

R.T.'s commitment to personalized care swiftly earned the community's trust. Known for his attention to detail, he oversaw every aspect of the process—from preparing the deceased to coordinating the funeral services—with the utmost care and respect. Managing all facets of the business personally, from initial arrangements to final farewells, R.T. provided tailored attention to each family. He took pride in maintaining affordable prices, ensuring no family faced financial barriers. On occasion, R.T. accepted barter payments such as animals—chickens, hogs, and more—in lieu of service fees.

As a Funeral Director, R.T.'s position brought him close to the community in their times of need. His assistance often went beyond the call of duty, frequently without compensation. This included helping eligible individuals secure social security benefits, and personally transporting the sick to hospitals, despite the considerable expenses, especially given the absence of hospitals in Wilcox County.

R.T. quietly supported numerous community organizations dedicated to social change, providing both moral and financial backing. He was an active member of the local NAACP chapter, the Progressive Club, which advocated for zoning changes enabling Black representation on the City Council, and also held the rank of Master Mason in the local Masonic lodge.

Following his passing in 1987, the City of Rochelle and South Georgia mourned the loss of a significant figure—a great man and steadfast leader.

To understand what to do is KNOWLEDGE.
To be able to do is SKILL. To see that it gets done RIGHT is service.
To serve every family within its means is FERGUSON’S.