Howard Daniel Ferguson, Sr.

Obituary For Howard Daniel Ferguson, Sr.

HOWARD DANIEL FERGUSON, SR

Howard Daniel “Dan” Ferguson, Sr. was born in Asheville, North Carolina on January 30, 1941. He was the sixth of seven children born to James and Nina Ferguson. Dan departed this life in Atlanta, Georgia on November 8, 2024.

Dan was a graduate of Stephens-Lee High School in Asheville. He loved sports and, while at Stephens-Lee, excelled in athletics. Dan played football, basketball, and baseball and was quarterback of his high school football team. After graduating from Stephens-Lee in 1959, Dan attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dan served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He was stationed in Germany and rose to the rank of Sergeant. Dan had family and friends living in Atlanta, Georgia. After leaving the military, Dan moved to Atlanta where he resided until his death.

A devoted family man, Dan doted on his wife, his children, his son-in-law, and his only grandchild, Dylan. Dan was employed by American Honda Motor Company for 36 years. His job at Honda enabled him to purchase cars at a discount for family and friends. He made many lasting friendships at Honda and was a beloved mentor and friend inside and outside the workplace. Dan was truly caring and generous. He will be forever missed.

Dan was a talented singer and a math prodigy. He was also a superb cook. His collard greens were a frequent request. He loved playing Bid Whist and working in his yard and his garden. In his later years, collecting cars became a hobby he enjoyed. Throughout his life, Dan continued to be an avid sports fan and was respected as an expert on college and professional sports.

Dan was notable for his wit. Some of his often quoted sayings include: “If a rooster can plow, hitch him up,” “Linger long but die you must,” “If you see me and a bear fighting in the woods, don’t help me, help the bear,” “Without reference and with one hundred percent accuracy,” and “Let me try this one more time” (when someone was slow to comprehend what Dan felt was a fairly simple point). While playing Bid Whist, Dan would frequently stick the winning card on his forehead and calmly continue playing. This tactic was both intimidating and hilarious. His opponents soon learned this was not just a bluff.

Dan is survived by his wife of fifty years, Rhugena Nesby Ferguson, son Howard Daniel Ferguson, Jr., daughter Genera Ferguson Hughes (Robby), grandson Dylan Hughes, brothers William and James Ferguson, nieces, nephews, and numerous other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by siblings Alvin Ferguson, Harvey Ferguson, Erslyn Ferguson Anders, and Elaine Ferguson Adger.

Public viewing will be held from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary on 3000 MLK Jr Drive in Atlanta, Georgia. Services, complete with military honors, will be held at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary at three o’clock on Friday, November 15, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Howard Daniel Ferguson, Sr. may be made to:
American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

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