Milton M. Ferrell Jr was a 2^nd generation Miami lawyer known for his philanthropy and activism for the Democratic Party. Back in 2004, Ferrell served as John Kerry’s Finance Chairman in Florida and in 2006, he was named one of Worth Magazine’s top 100 attorneys. Ferrell also quietly funded the Miami Aids Ministry and a Honduran orphanage.

Recently, however, Ferrell began to endure 'flu-like symptoms’ which progressed for nearly two years. He was eventually diagnosed with mesothelioma and despite having his lung removed in May, the disease spread to his brain, stomach, hip, and remaining right lung.

Before eventually succumbing to the disease at the age of 57, Ferrell had one final initiative to undertake. He filed a lawsuit accusing three large automakers and several brake manufacturers of causing his disease by marketing an “unreasonably dangerous” product without having warned anyone of its hazards. In his youth, Ferrell had worked on car’s doing brake jobs and it was there that he was believed to be exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers. Just before his passing and against all doctors’ orders, Ferrell gave a 3 ½ hour video deposition for the lawsuit.  

'Twelve hours before he died, against his doctors' advice and human ability, he stood up to hug his son one last time,'' lawyer James Ferraro said. ``He hung on solely to give the deposition and say goodbye to his family.''