Chester Howell Ferguson

Chester Howell Ferguson (July 1, 1908 – March 3, 1983) was a prominent Tampa lawyer, banker and businessman whose record of community service was long and distinguished.

Career Ferguson moved to Tampa in 1930 during the depression. He was the first public defender (unpaid) in that city before joining the law firm that became MacFarlane, Ferguson, Allison & Kelly at $15/week. He was made a partner there after five years. Ferguson became counsel for the Lykes Brothers businesses, and subsequently married Louise Lykes, daughter of Dr. Howell Tyson Lykes in 1939. Under Ferguson's guidance, the Lykes Brothers, with business in cattle, shipping, citrus & meat processing and packing, real estate, banking, energy/utilities, electronics and steel. prospered. In the late 1960s he was named CEO and chairman of the board for the billion-dollar conglomerate.

Civic contributions Ferguson believed that lawyers should be active in community life. He was one of Tampa's leading citizens, helping the city to grow, revitalize the downtown and become a major financial center and shipping port. He was a director or officer for numerous major corporations. . The Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida includes Ferguson Hall. It is called "the bunker" because part of the building is underground and contains the largest auditorium on campus. It was named after Chester Howell Ferguson.

Legacy and honors He was a Fellow at both the American College of Probate Counsel and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He received the UF Law Center Trustees' Award for outstanding contributions to his alma mater and the legal profession in 1982. The American Scottish Foundation bestowed the Wallace Award for contributions to the well-being of this country. His financial contributions include the establishment of the Chester H. Ferguson Scholarship at the Levin College of Law to an outstanding freshman and a donation to the Building Campaign at the Law Center.

He was named a Great Floridian by the Florida Department of State, an honor extended to individuals who made major contributions to the progress and welfare of the state of Florida.

Death Ferguson suffered a heart attack on February 8th and fell into a coma. He died without regaining consciousness on March 3, 1983. He was 74 years old. His wife Louise lived another 33 years, passing on October 5, 2016.