Thomas "Tim" M. Ferguson, Jr.'s Obituary
Whether you knew him as “Fatdaddy”, “Ferg” or “Tim”, our beloved Thomas M. Ferguson, Jr. passed peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 14th after several months of illness.
Tim was born in Gainesville on March 19, 1964, to Tom and Betty Ferguson. He grew up with his siblings in the woods of Windsor and attended Eastside High School, where he excelled at football and baseball. Tim made friends with his easy smile and quick wit, these lasting friendships filled his life with fun, laughter and great memories. Once a Ram, always a Ram!
Long after school, Tim continued his love of sports playing mens and co-ed softball with friends and family. Early in 1995, while playing softball, he found his life’s love Cathy Beckham and it did not take long for them to realize it was meant to be. After a short 6 months on September 23rd, the two got hitched, even with Tim pointing out it was opening day of bow season. But Cathy had made sure it was not a Gator football home weekend. So, the priorities for both were established early. Their big honeymoon was the next day going to Micanopy to play “dirt” ball for a Sunday softball game.
They started their family quickly when two years later they welcomed their first daughter, Jesse Marie and then five years later Kenze Mae. Family was always first with Fatdaddy. He raised his girls with his love of the woods and water and took them hunting and fishing early and often.
Tim started working for GRU in the late 80's and over the years, he grew to become a master heavy equipment operator. Tim was always generous with his knowledge and loved training newbies. He retired 21 years later but never gave up working and was always recruited by many employers for his expertise.
Tim worked and played hard. He was an avid hunter and spent each deer season covering the woods of Rocky Creek and Cracker Boys. In the off season, you would find him on Newnans/Orange Lake catching specs or all the way at the “Hatch” on the Gulf. He always made time to help friends and family. Once after a call for help, Tim drove his truck all the way to Tennessee to bring home a 6’ tall flamingo and two 4’ tall metal bouncing bunnies that would not fit in the car. He arrived with a smile asking what had we done now.
Tim's family is his wife of 29 years, Cathy; his two daughters, Jesse and Kenze (Justin); brother, Tommy of Gainesville; sisters. Louise and Vicki (Earl) of Gainesville and Diane (Ike) of North Carolina.
Please join the family for a “Fatdaddy Fun Day” in sharing and laughing at the good times we all experienced with him on June 1st starting at 1pm. The day of memories will be held at his favorite mother-in-law's house, Judy Beckham, address is: 16802 East CR 1474 Hawthorne. Please bring a covered dish, dessert or a cooler of ice.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas "Tim"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas "Tim"?
Share a story where Thomas "Tim"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas "Tim" you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas "Tim" make you smile?