Hayden Thomas Ferguson, Jr

Brevard, NC & Franklin, NC - Hayden Thomas Ferguson, Jr., age 83, of Brevard, NC went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2010. He was born June 5, 1927. A native of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Hayden T. Ferguson, Sr., and Claudia Sudderth Ferguson. He was preceded in death by wives Helen Sumner Ferguson and Tina Duncan Ferguson.

Surviving are his wife, Jimmie Peterson Ferguson of Brevard, a daughter Gina Steinbicker and husband, David of Sylva; a brother, James W. Ferguson of Dallas, GA and a sister, Frances Sue Ferguson Bridges of Middleburg, PA. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Natalie Steinbicker, and a grandson Seth Steinbicker; two step sons, Charles R. Loftis, Jr and wife Suzie of Brevard and James M. Loftis, Sr. and wife Rosie of Mt. Pleasant, SC; step granddaughters, Brandy Moore and husband Rodney of Lake Stevens, WA, and Ava Loftis; step grandson, Michael Loftis and two step great granddaughters, Brianna and Addison Moore. He was blessed to have many nieces and nephews as well.

Mr. Ferguson was retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as a Line Sergeant and he was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the United States Navy with the Seabees.

Hayden, also affectionately called H.T. or "Ferg" was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved to grow a garden. He enjoyed going on hunting trips with his loyal friends and fellow sportsmen. He was a hard worker and was fiercely loyal to his profession as a Line Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He was known all over Western North Carolina for being " A Legend" while serving with the Patrol. He was highly respected by his fellow Patrol co workers as well as the citizens of the many counties he patrolled during his career. He was fair and diligent and always caught the "bad" guys and protected the good citizens of North Carolina. He has been a great inspiration to all the officers of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol who risk their lives each day to serve and protect the citizens of North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 3:00PM at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church in Murphy, NC and will be conducted by Dr. Chester Jones, Rev. Mike Jordan, Rev. Larry Madden and Rev. David Reeves. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at the Peachtree Baptist Church Cemetery with burial rites by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712, for improvement of the sound system.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.