Joseph Martin Ferguson

Cary, NC - Joseph Martin Ferguson, 89, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, at the Brookdale MacArthur Park Cary Assisted Living Facility.

Joe passed after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family and his faithful pet cat. A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Joe was known for his strong intellect, love of music, dedication to his family, and ongoing involvement in community musical activities. Joe believed strongly in upholding democracy and loved to engage in conversations about the responsibility of being a self-governing people.

Born on October 7, 1934, in Raleigh, NC, Joe pursued a distinguished engineering career culminating in a focus on computer systems engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from NC State and continued with studies in electrical engineering and economics, achieving master’s degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from universities in Ohio.

He earned the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force. He then became a civil servant, working at the Wright Patterson AFB Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, where he eventually became a lab chief. His love of engineering came from his father, Jean Warren Ferguson, a civil engineer who led multiple construction projects in Raleigh and throughout the state of North Carolina. His mother, Julia Naomi Porter Ferguson of Goodland, SC, was a teacher who always valued education.

Joe took on many DIY home construction projects, finding great satisfaction in the overall process as well as enjoying the results. He tackled everything from building the family's hi-fi system and color TV using Heathkit electronic parts and a soldering iron, to constructing attached garage and porch additions on the family's homes. Joe had impressive computer systems engineering skills.

In addition to his engineering achievements, Joe was an active member of the Cary Concert Singers and the Dayton Opera Chorus, where his love for choral music and opera shone brightly. His deep bass voice and dedication to the groups enhanced many performances. He was also a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, Winnie Jean, an artist and educator, and his son, Joseph Martin Ferguson, Jr. He is survived by his son, Warren Dwight Ferguson (Nancy Francis) of Cary, NC, and his daughter, Sheridan Jean Ferguson Edmondson (William Robert Edmondson) of Sewickley, PA. Joe was a proud and loving grandfather to ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, continuing his legacy of love and family.

Joe’s life was a testament to the power of science and intellect, the joy of music, and the strength of family bonds. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A private family memorial service and interment of ashes will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cary Concert Singers or the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh in Joe’s honor.

Joe’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have offered your condolences.