Chester Ray "Chet" Ferguson, Ii

Chester Ray (Chet) Ferguson II, age 52, died in the early hours of Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Health Care in Jackson, Mississippi. He was survived by his wife, Sherri (Barfield) Ferguson, his children, Jonathan Steed (Danica), Lauren Emory (Ethan), Chester Ray Ferguson III, David Ferguson, and Martha Ferguson, his grandchildren, Abigail Steed, Kelley Grace Steed, Emma Kate Steed, and Sadie Beth Steed, his mother, Betty Ferguson, his siblings, Lori Brunt (Ed), Lisa Sheffield, and Chad Ferguson as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Chet was born on Friday, January 3, 1969 in Quitman, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Ray Ferguson, at the age of seven. Chet worked as a cattle rancher, truck driver, and logger. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Millsaps College and was in the process of finishing a Master’s of Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Chet will be remembered by his love for Jesus. He was always excited to share the good news of salvation with anyone who would listen, from the congregation at Bear Creek Baptist Church in McCool, Mississippi, to loved ones, to strangers. Chet was also an exemplary father. Through his actions, he taught his five children to be hard-working, resilient, courageous, and honest. Most importantly, he taught his children to be followers of Christ. He took his responsibility as the family’s spiritual leader very seriously. Chet was also a loving husband. His last few words were, “Tell my wife that I love her very much.” His wife and children miss him greatly and will love him forever. While Chet suffered from CIDP for the majority of his life and died of complications related to his illness, he always persisted, taking on challenges and obstacles with stride. He was as tough as nails, fighting through pain without complaint, and due to this, achieved his goals and lived a life full of laughter and joy. His sister Lori noted, “Chet Ferguson is no longer suffering and his body has been made whole. We are so saddened to know he is not here. But, what a glorious homecoming he’s having at the feet of Jesus! His family draws comfort from that.”