House Concurrent Resolution 62

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MR. J.J. FERGUSON AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Carroll County, Mississippi, lost a pillar of its community and the construction industry suffered a great loss on Friday, December 30, 2005, when Mr. J.J. Ferguson passed this life; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferguson is the father of a construction dynasty in Mississippi which began when he formed Ferguson Ready-Mix and later partnered with his brothers, W.F. and D.D. Ferguson, to create Ferguson Brothers Construction Company; and

WHEREAS, born with nothing in Carroll County, Mr. Ferguson told many stories of his childhood when he began working many hours plowing, picking and hauling cotton, and building "bridges out of matches and sticks" during his breaks with his brothers; and

WHEREAS, at age 12, his interest in the construction industry peaked when his family moved to Grenada County as Highway 51 was being constructed; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferguson has been quoted to have said, "It seemed like a fascinating business. I always had a goal in life and I always...wanted to build roads and highways. And I decided that one day I would have a business of my own...in the construction industry"; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 16, Mr. Ferguson purchased his first dump truck for $1,340.00; and

WHEREAS, because Mr. Ferguson was an integral part of the Carroll County road system and always underbid competitors in order to save the county money, the citizens of Carroll County vividly recall that Mr. Ferguson always remembered the "little guy"; and

WHEREAS, it was the compassionate sentiment, the kindly nature and the heart of gold possessed by Mr. Ferguson that endeared him to a great number of people in Carroll County; and

WHEREAS, determined to give back to his county, Mr. Ferguson, equipped with only an eighth grade education, worked more than 16 hours a day to build the business that he loved, placing himself in a position to be an economic asset to the citizens of Carroll County; and

WHEREAS, prior to his earthly departure, he was the owner and president of J.J. Ferguson Sand and Gravel, Inc., and companies, employing more than 300 people in several varying locations, including Black Hawk, Winona, Greenwood, Inverness and Tom Nolan; and

WHEREAS, a free-hearted giver and humanitarian, Mr. Ferguson's dream touched lives of countless other families in the community, as he shared his vision and benevolence to his fellowman, affording them the opportunity to achieve their own dreams; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the contributions made by respected citizens such as Mr. J.J. Ferguson, whose life was marked by the spirit of giving:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Mr. J.J. Ferguson and express our deepest sympathy to his family upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. J.J. Ferguson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.