Citizens mourn loss of beloved probate judge

JUDGE ALEX E. FERGUSON, SR.

The community was saddened by the loss of Judge Alex E. Ferguson, Sr. who passed away Friday, March 3, at Wills Memorial Hospital in Washington following a brief illness.

A life-long resident of Lincoln County, he served as the county's probate judge from 1972 until his retirement in 1999.

According to Walker Norman, chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, "Judge Ferguson was the epitome of a Southern gentleman. He carried out the duties of his office with professionalism, dignity, and honor. It was a pleasure to work with him at the courthouse for 16 years."

However, the thoughtfulness and understanding Judge Ferguson displayed as a judge merely bore testimony to the sort of man he was at heart - a kind, even-tempered man, with a dry sense of humor and a fondness for salmon patties and Chick-filA.

He was a man who served his church faithfully and loved his family unconditionally. "Daddy stood behind us - he was always there," said one of his sons.

In addition to God and his family, the judge also loved gospel music, fishing, hunting, seeing just how far a dollar would stretch, and of course, the Lincoln County Red Devils.

In his quiet, unassuming way, Judge Ferguson was always seeking to make life better, both for his family and friends and for those he touched while serving as probate judge. Simply put, he was a good man who treated others with compassion. He was a rare human being, with a heart of gold - it was a truly a blessing to know him.

Regular obituary information appears on page 2.