Waynesville-Fred E. Ferguson, Jr. “Freddie” passed away at Emerald Ridge Rehabilitation and Care Center on October 18, 2019, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Freddie was born on April 18, 1942, in Jackson County to the late Fred E. Ferguson, Sr. and the late Valarie Davis Ferguson and moved to Haywood County in 1966. Freddie was a simple man who believed in God, country, and hard work. He was raised on the family farm near Cherokee in Jackson County and continued to love farming throughout his life. He had a passion for John Deere tractors and previously co-owned Ferguson Implement, a John Deere dealership. Freddie always considered many of those customers his good friends. He was a crane operator by trade and helped build many of the bridges we cross on our daily commutes. Freddie was a staunch Republican and Vietnam veteran, operating heavy equipment to build an airstrip in the early days of Vietnam. Freddie loved sports, especially the Oakland Raiders and all things Richard Petty and old school NASCAR. Hunting with English setter bird dogs and trout fishing were lifelong hobbies. He was an excellent grouse hunter and almost as good as his father at trout fishing. Old cars were of particular interest to him and before Alzheimer’s stripped his memory, he possessed the amazing ability to identify the model and make of any old car from a great distance simply by looking at the grill or a headlight.
Freddie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky Hooper Ferguson and son, Fred M. “Matt” Ferguson, of Waynesville. Also surviving are two brothers, David Ferguson (Lyna) and Donald “Hoppy” Ferguson (Mary Jane) and one sister, Dean (Donald, deceased) of Cherokee, two brothers in law, Tommy Hooper of Waynesville and Jimmy Hooper (Shirley) of Canton, several nieces and nephews, as well as close friends Jim and Gloria Nicholson, Branson and Lorri Reece and Mary Ann Harris, who have supported the family through the long journey of Alzheimer’s. He was also predeceased by a brother Ray Ferguson (Barbara-deceased).
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on November 2, at Plott-Saunook Cemetery, which is located on Boulder Dr. off Old Balsam Rd. with the Reverend Dr. J.D. Grant and Reverend Dr. Bobby Rogers officiating. In case of heavy rain, the service will be held at Garrett Funerals and Cremations. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
Memorials may be made to Maple Leaf Adult Respite, 63 Elmwood Way, Ste C100, Waynesville, NC 28786.
A message of comfort may be left for the family and an online guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
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