Bro. Bobby Gene Ferguson of Union passed away July 7, 2024. Services will be 3:00 PM, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Smyrna Baptist Church with burial in the Ferguson Cemetery (Pleasant Ridge). Bro. Terry Oswalt, Bro. Don Savell and Bro. David Parker will officiate. There will be a visitation 1:30-3:00 prior to the service at the Church.

Bobby Gene Ferguson was born May 3, 1932, in Hickory, Mississippi to George Norris and Margaret Clairene Massy Ferguson.  He spent his youth in Hickory until he went to the Korean War with the U. S. Army.  After the war, he married the love of his life, Betty Sue Hollingsworth, in 1956 in Detroit, Michigan.

Bobby and Betty returned to Hickory in October 1956 where they started their family and raised four children.  Bobby was saved in 1957 and eight years later he surrendered to preach. He pastored several churches before founding Smyrna Baptist Church in Union in 1973.  The same year at Thanksgiving, Bro. Bobby started a "Camp Meeting" service that continued every year until 2013 when sadly he had to stop due to a stroke.  The Camp Meeting was a highlight of his lifelong ministry.  Preachers from all over the United States came every year to preach and to be revived.  Over the years many souls were saved and encouraged at the Camp Meeting and lifelong friendships and relationships were formed as Thanksgiving was celebrated together.

Bro. Bobby will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and his happy demeanor.  He was an avid turkey hunter and fisherman.  Music was a huge part of his life and he was a self-taught musician playing the guitar, mandolin and harmonica.  One of his most favorite things to do was making music and singing with his family.

Bro. Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Sue Hollingsworth Ferguson; his daughter, Bobbe Sue Ferguson Lockey and husband, Howard of Union; his sons, David Ferguson of Hickory and Mark Ferguson and wife, Tammy of Union; Sister, Margaret Willis of Hattiesburg; Nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Norris and Margaret Clairene Massey Ferguson; brothers, Billy Ferguson and Marvin Ferguson; and one son, James Donald (Don) Ferguson.

Pallbearers will be Allen Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, Johnathan Ferguson, Hayden Ferguson, Ken Ferguson, Brad Parker, Lee Turner and Jason Pugh; Honorary Pallbearers are all great-grandsons.