Natchez
Funeral Home
Laird Funeral Home Services
Visitation
Monday, May 1, 2023
1-2:30 PM, First Baptist Church Natchez, D’Evereaux Drive, Natchez, MS
Service
Monday, May 1, 2023
2:30 PM, First Baptist Church Natchez, D’Evereaux Drive, Natchez, MS
Obituary
Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on April 25, 2023, and has moved on to his heavenly home. COL Tommy Ferrell (Ret), age 75, a retired member of the MS Army National Guard and served as Commander, 112th MP BN and HQ STARC, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, visitation, and service details:
Our Merciful Lord welcomed his son, Tommy Ferrell, into his loving arms on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Visitation will be Monday, May 1, from 1:00 pm -2:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Natchez with the funeral service immediately to follow at 2:30 p.m.
Tommy was born June 7, 1947, in Natchez, Mississippi. One of two children to the late William Thomas (“Billy”) Ferrell and Hazel Hampton Ferrell, Tommy began his law enforcement career in 1969 and retired in January 2004 after serving 35 years in law enforcement. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Tommy served on various task forces on the state and federal levels, ultimately being qualified as an expert witness in various capacities. Most notably, Ferrell was past-president of the National Sheriffs’ Association from 2002-2003.
He served twice as president of the Mississippi Sheriffs’ Association and twice was elected president of the Mississippi Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. He retired with the rank of Colonel after 34 years of service from the U.S. Army, Military Police Branch, MSARNG. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army Officer Basic and Advanced Courses. He served with the Criminal Intelligence Division and was a former Military Police Investigator. Ferrell was presented more than 25 awards during his tenure in the military, and held extensive commendations including overseas duty and natural disasters.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Anne Ferrell, who was his wife of 50 years; both parents and one sister, Sherry Bernhard.
Survivors include his son, William T Ferrell, III (Clarissa Ferrell) of Gallatin, TN; his daughter, Christina Ferrell Daugherty (Shane Daugherty) of Natchez, MS; four grandchildren, Mallory Ferrell (Samuel Bicket) of Milton, FL, Trystan Ferrell of Gallatin, Tennessee, Caleb Daugherty and Emily Anne Daugherty of Natchez, Mississippi; one great grandchild, Camden Bicket; and brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Beckie Christina of Dallas, TX.
Tommy attended First Baptist Church of Natchez for 75 years. A lifelong member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club, he also served as an Ambassador for Natchez through the Chamber of Commerce as well as a tour guide for Natchez Pilgrimage Tours. Everyone who knew Tommy, affectionately known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great grandchild, knew that he loved life and lived it to the fullest. “Frank Blunt” was a friend to all who took the time to get to know the real person behind the persona.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his late wife, Carole Anne, who was the one true love of his life. “For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” Tommy never recovered from Carole’s death; now, he can rest in peace in the arms of our Lord as he has finally reunited with his love.
SERVICES
Visitation
Monday, May 1, 2023
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
First Baptist Church Natchez
D’Evereaux Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
Funeral Service
Monday, May 1, 2023
2:30 PM
First Baptist Church Natchez
D’Evereaux Drive
Natchez, MS 39120