Ferguson Elwyn Rood, 95, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, a distinguished pioneer in newspaper marketing and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully in Winchester, Virginia on February 24th, 2025 at Orchard Woods Healthcare Center at the Village at Orchard Ridge. Born on August 2, 1929, in Joliet, Illinois, Ferguson was the son of Owen and Euphemia (Ferguson) Rood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Owen and Frank Rood, and his wife, Nancy Haltom Rood.
Ferguson graduated from Lapier High School in 1947 and pursued higher education at Joliet Jr. College and Illinois Wesleyan College, earning a degree in Business. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served with the Army Signal Corps at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. After his military service, Ferguson attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he earned a Master’s in Journalism in 1956 and met the love of his life, Nancy Haltom. The couple married in 1958 and were devoted to each other throughout their 58 years together.
Upon graduation, Ferguson began his career with the Atlanta Journal and Constitution in 1956, where he was instrumental in establishing the first Research and Marketing Department. His groundbreaking work in market research set new standards in the industry and was recognized in academic texts for advertising and marketing. Ferguson retired as the VP of Research and Marketing for Cox Newspaper, Inc. in 1988.
Throughout his career, Ferguson was actively involved in community and service organizations, including Toastmasters, Travel Aide Atlanta, The Newspaper Marketing and Research Association, Dekalb County PTA, and Oak Grove United Methodist Church.
Ferguson and Nancy were proud parents to three daughters: Cindy Robinson (David), Cathy Philips (Skip), and Carolyn Ferguson (James). He was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren: Emily Kauchak (Kevin), Will Heine, Stephen Philips, Christopher Philips, Erin Philips, Gavin Little, and Arden Little; as well as a cherished great-grandfather to Kingston and Harper Kauchak, and Camden and Beckham Heine.
Ferguson had a passion for travel, exploring all 50 states with Nancy in their beloved RVs. His sense of adventure and his joy in every place he visited were as remarkable as his renowned love for a good cigar and his quirky sense of humor.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who supported Ferguson in his later years; Inus Quincey, Blue Ridge Hospice, the staff at The Village at Orchard Ridge and the nurses and caregivers at Orchard Woods Healthcare Center for their tender loving care. Each caregiver was special and so appreciated.
Ferguson Elwyn Rood’s legacy of innovation, service, and love for his family will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His life was a testament to dedication, curiosity, and a deep affection for those around him.