Billy Ray Ferguson passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Union County Baptist Hospital, leaving behind his family and friends. He was 87 years old. Billy Ray was born to William and Opal Harrison Ferguson on January 5, 1937, in Randolph Mississippi. He graduated from Randolph high school, and proudly remained a rambler for the rest of his life. He was a member of Washington Methodist Church, and later Fairview, Methodist Church. On June 29, 1957, he married Martha Ann Gillespie. They were blessed with two children, Anita Wood, and Tim Ferguson. In his 87 years of life, Billy Ray experienced many names. He would answer to Daddy as well as Daddy Bill and was also known to answer to BR549. At a very young age, Billy Ray was introduced to hard work as a cotton picker in the rich farming soil in Pontotoc County. Following marriage, he held numerous jobs beginning with caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois. Later, he returned to Pontotoc where they raise their family. He was employed at Deans Industries, the Pontotoc Wire Plant, and in the home construction industry. Following a short tenure with the Pontotoc Police department, he worked for the Mississippi department of agriculture where he retired. During his retirement, Billy Ray became an avid golfer and a productive gardener, always sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He briefly returned to the workforce with his friends at Golden furniture, and later with the Pontotoc County Sheriff Department.
He leaves behind his two children: Anita Wood (Tommy) and Tim Ferguson (Melissa); his grandchildren: Anna Claire Jefcoat (Chase) Mary Beth Wood, Leanna Grace Merritt (Justin), Casey Ray Ferguson (Heather), Rob Ferguson, and Buddy Ferguson. He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Thomas Jefcoat, Mary Collins Jefcoat, Evelyn Merritt, John Harrison Merritt, Jesse Ferguson; his brothers; Jimmy (Pat) and Bobby (Bobby Nell); his sister, Virginia Holloway (Bill West); and his brother-in-law, Jerry Gillespie (Donna) and sister-in-law, Barbara Hood (Jim).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years and his brothers; Beryl, Wayne, Raymond and Gerald Ferguson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 11 AM until 1 PM at Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 1 PM with Dr. Ken Hester officiating. Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be: Chase and Thomas Jefcoat, Tim, Casey, Rob, and Buddy Ferguson, Justin and John Harrison Merritt.
In lieu flowers, the family wishes acknowledgments be made to First Baptist Church Building fund or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
