T.J. grew up in Russellville, Arkansas, where he graduated from Russellville High School and attended Arkansas Tech University, before moving back to Elgin in 1996.

T.J. loved football and began playing the game as soon as he could walk. There wasn’t a weekend you wouldn’t find him watching a University of Texas or Dallas Cowboys game.

As time went by, he traded in his football jersey for khakis and a Mc-Donald’s shirt, taking his strength, discipline and leadership skills from the field to his restaurants and beyond. T.J. was a McDonald’s franchise owner and operator.

A man of faith, he lived by the words, “love thy neighbor as thyself.” He was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. T.J. was loyal beyond comparison and the most dependable husband, father, son, brother and friend.

He was known and beloved for his quiet generosity and care for all around him. Many people, from both his professional and personal worlds, turned to him, as he was an incredible listener with wisdom beyond his years.

T.J. was admired for his constant strength and courage in the face of many adversities throughout his life, while maintaining a tender heart for God’s children. He walked in the footsteps of Jesus one day at a time as shown through his patience and grace he constantly shared with the world. He was always there to lend a hand in times — big and small. The Central Texas Ronald Mc-Donald House Charities of Austin was particularly close to his heart, and he served the families there making meals and fundraising whenever and however he could.

T.J. was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy Woodbeck Perkins and C.E. Woodbeck and Chunja Ferguson and Captain James Ferguson, Jose Antonio and Marcia Lopez.

T.J. is survived by his wife, Susan Fenske Lopez Ferguson, of Elgin; three children, Andrea Thane of Harker Heights, Jennifer Reese of Elgin and Alan Fenske of Elgin; his parents, Jose Antonio and Karen Lopez, of Port Orange, Florida, and Cynthia Ann and Jimmy Lee Ferguson, of Austin; sisters, Amber F. Imhoff of Dallas, Brittaney F. Hildebrand of Austin, and Michelle Haaf of Port Orange, Florida; brother, Matthew Lopez of Pensacola, Florida; six grandchildren, Michael, Mya, Aydenn, Emilee, Owen and Isabella; along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Elgin Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 1, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Elgin with Reverend Jim McCain delivering the eulogy and Pastor JD Herrera presiding.

Interment will follow at Pee Lee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Central Texas Ronald Mc-Donald House Charities of Austin in his honor. Arrangements and care are entrusted to: 712 N. AVE C, 512.281.5697, elginfuneralhome.net.