Memorial graveside service with full military honors for Dr. John D. Ferguson, age 78, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, formerly of Davidson, Oklahoma, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Davidson Cemetery, Davidson, Oklahoma. Inurnment is under the direction of Jackson Funeral Home of Frederick, Oklahoma. 

He was a longtime cardiovascular surgeon in Tuscaloosa and a decorated veteran of the Alabama Army National Guard, passed away on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Raised in Davidson, Oklahoma by parents Claude D. Jr. and Nelda, John’s path was shaped early by hardship and responsibility. Following the untimely death of his father, John took on the work of the family farm while still just a boy — years before he was even old enough to legally drive. That early experience instilled in him a work ethic and sense of duty that would define the rest of his life. 

John went on to build a distinguished career in medicine, practicing as a cardiovascular surgeon in Tuscaloosa for more than 45 years, beginning in 1983. He spent much of his career with Thoracic and Cardiovascular Associates of Tuscaloosa, where he became known among colleagues and patients alike both for the speed with which he completed surgeries and for the exceptional quality of his work, earning him cardiac surgery referrals from across the Southeastern United States. He served on the medical staff board and as chief of staff at DCH Regional Medical Center, where he helped establish the hospital’s bloodless medicine program, and later served as an advisor to DCH Regional Medical Center from 2008 to 2018. From 1983 to 2008, he was an assistant clinical professor of surgery for the College of Community Health Sciences. Moreover, John found success as the assistant medical director of Helping Hands Hospice from 2011 to 2013. Over his career he contributed to medical literature through articles published in journals including the American Journal of Physiology, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, and the Journal of Parasitology. 

John’s commitment to service extended well beyond civilian medicine. He proudly served in the Alabama Army National Guard, ultimately retiring after 33 years at the rank of colonel. From 1998 to 2002, he served as chairperson of the medical advisory council for the U.S. Army National Guard, and during Operation Desert Storm he commanded the 109th Evacuation Hospital. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Order of Medical Military Merit, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the U.S. Army Achievement Medal, and the Operation Desert Storm Medal, among other honors.

 In addition to his many professional accomplishments, John enjoyed playing golf and spending time with friends at the 19th Hole at Indian Hills Country Club. He loved spending time with family and friends while attending Alabama football and basketball games. He had a passion for sharing his knowledge of and affinity for wine with any and all. In his later years he continued to pour into his family and was more proud of the title “Pops” than any other title he held. He loved being a grandfather, as he continued to help prepare those he loved for the challenges and joys that lie ahead, while always trusting in Jesus. John walked closely with the Lord and found daily strength in his faith in Christ. He possessed a true servant’s heart, honoring Christ by providing vital care on medical missions to Kenya. 

John is survived by his wife, Rita; his sons, Damon, Jared, and Lucas; his daughter-in-law, Julie, and granddaughters, Anne Holden and Amelia Tate; his sister, Jana Sue Timberlake; and his brother, Dan; and their families. He is also survived by current and former step-children, whom he loved as his own: Jeremy, Chad, Amy, and Angie McAlister; John Ben Thompson and Caroline Stewart; and all their children. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with visitation preceding at 1:00 p.m. Any flowers for the Tuscaloosa service and family may be sent to Trinity Presbyterian Church (1301 The Townes, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church Missions Fund or to the Kenya Fund at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, in memory of John.