Jack D. Ferrell

Jack D. Ferrell of Eatonton/Lake Oconee, Ga passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 25, 2024. He was 91 years old. Jack was deeply grateful for the big beautiful life the Lord provided him. Growing up in Durham, NC, he spent his childhood days freely roaming the hills of his family farm, learning to trap rabbits, shoot squirrels and prime tobacco to earn money, becoming quite the entrepreneur by the time he was 10. Jack would eventually use his earnings to purchase his first baseball glove and bat and go on to become an exceptional three sport athlete at Oak Grove High School before graduating in 1951 and being selected as Durham County’s Best Athlete. That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Lou Jean Warren, who predeceased him after 62 years of marriage in 2013. She remained the love of his life until his very last breath and was enthusiastically anticipating their reunion in Heaven. He is praising Jesus with her there today. Jack, with Lou’s unwavering support, continued his entrepreneurial aspirations throughout his life, buying his first commercial HVAC business after relocating to Atlanta in 1960. He loved to point out all the buildings he worked on in the Atlanta area. Some of his most memorable accomplishments were his design of the red V-shaped duct work at the downtown Varsity that’s still there today, and his installation of the HVAC in Atlanta’s very first McDonalds as well as many of the first Chic Fil A stores. He retired in 1997. Jack’s most prized accomplishment was the beautiful family life he built with Lou. Together they raised three daughters whom he loved and cared for from the age of 18 until his death. Jack was always the biggest personality in the room and could spin a tail as humorous and engaging as any of his Irish ancestors. He was the light to whom everyone was drawn and those precious memories of him will continue to provide laughter and help fill the void for those left behind. Jack loved the Lord and was a model of leadership, provision, security and generosity as he served his friends and family as well as strangers through difficult times. He was a rock. Jack was a member of First Baptist Church of Eatonton, the Cornerstone class, since 1997. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Warren Ferrell, his parents, Melville M. and Vera Mozelle Ferrell and siblings, Jesse, Clarene, Roselyn, James L. Ferrell and Billie Ferrell Wilson. He is survived by his daughters: Toni Triplett and husband Joe of Eatonton; Julie Tingle and husband Steve of Panama City Beach, FL; Kelly Mclane and husband Keith of Flowery Branch, GA. Grandchildren: Stephen Triplett and wife Leighann; Kyle Triplett; Sean Reach, Benjamin Tingle, Meghan Tingle and husband Mitch; Cailin Tingle, great grandchildren Hudson and Claire Triplett, and many nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Eatonton First Baptist Church.

Jack D. Ferrell

September 17, 1933 - October 25, 2024