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Joseph Ferguson got his honorary degree on Friday. (Photo provided by Hospice of Davidson County)
Joseph Ferguson got his honorary degree on Friday. (Photo provided by Hospice of Davidson County)

LEXINGTON, N.C. – A Hospice of Davidson County patient received his honorary master’s degree at his Lexington home on Friday, three days before peacefully passing away.

Joseph Ferguson got the Pfeiffer University Masters of Health Care Administration degree after he wasn’t able to finish due to his declining health. He had been on track to graduate in August.

He passed away peacefully on Monday morning. He was 52.

In 2014, Ferguson, earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute and graduated valedictorian of his class.

Ferguson, a father of four children and five grandchildren, proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 18 years, receiving the Good Conduct Medal.

After his time in the military, he was the supervisor for the Davidson County 911 Communication Center for nine years. For the past five years, Ferguson worked at Cone Health in Greensboro as a security officer.

“Receiving my diploma in Masters of Health Care Administration brings me great pride. I thank and appreciate God for the blessings that I have,” Ferguson said, in a press release. “I take every day, one day at a time and try to be the best that I can be.”