Melvin Robert Ferguson, 82, of Lexington, Virginia, died Thursday, November 28, 2013, at his home.

Born July 12, 1931 in Rockbridge County, he was a son of the late Sam Ferguson and Ruth Austin Ferguson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Marie B. Ferguson; six brothers and four sisters.

Melvin was a charter member of Lexington Baptist Church, worked at Burlington Industries for 25 years, and worked for over 30 years at Harrison Funeral Home.

Surviving are his sons, Stephen A. Ferguson and Jeffrey C. Ferguson; six grandchildren, Nicole Southers, Rachel Clark, Jennifer Ferguson, Brad Bearden, Rose Ferguson, and Polly Brock; four great-grandchildren, Chasity Southers, Kayla Potter, Tyler Woods, and Jaden Clark; and a brother, Frank Ferguson, of Buena Vista.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2013, at Lexington Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Wilburn officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2013.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va. What makes Dad? God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree, the warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea, the generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night, the wisdom of ages, the power of the eagle's flight, the joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed, the patience of eternity, the depth of a family need; then God combined these qualities, when there was nothing more to add, he knew His masterpiece was complete, and so, he called it "DAD".

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