On February 10, 2023, Gerald Leon Ferguson, 74, of Lanexa, VA, passed away after a sudden illness, surrounded by his loving family. The youngest son of Peter Ferguson and Celia Piggott Ferguson, Gerald was born on September 11, 1948, in Williamsburg, VA. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, oldest sister Doris Ferguson Eatmon, and older brother Thomas Harry “Buddy” Ferguson.
At an early age, Gerald joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Croaker, VA where he remained a member. Gerald was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. In 1969, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Supporting the Southeast Asia Theater of Operations in Vietnam and Cambodia, Gerald was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism and Bravery on four separate occasions.
On April 11, 1985, Gerald married Jean Latimore Lewis. They were blessed to enjoy 48 years together and to raise three children. Gerald also served as a second father to a host of family members, including stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Gerald worked for CSX Corporation in various supervisory roles, including that of Track Inspector. He retired in 2019 after “working on the railroad” for 44 years. A car enthusiast, Gerald enjoyed fixing vehicles for friends and family while also working on drag racing vehicles with his long-time friend, Bobby Shackleford.
Fond memories of Gerald include his usage of “fancy,” multisyllabic words (“That’s a Gerald Ferguson kind of word”), his unique humor, his knowledge of many topics during family trivia contests, and his support and kindness to family, friends, and co-workers. He possessed a knack for being there when family members required assistance, and he also had a special connection with youngsters. Occasionally, conversations with Gerald would become quite spirited before common ground was met, but it was always fun getting to that common ground, and he always enjoyed having the last word. Gerald was a big-hearted role model who showed us how to support others as much as possible. Last but not least, his potato salad will be sorely missed at family get-togethers.
Remaining to cherish Gerald’s memory are his devoted wife, Jean; sons, Troy Lewis and Gentree Ferguson (Tamecia); daughter, Bridgette Houston (Tony); uncle, Herbert Piggott, Sr.; sisters, Laurestine Ferguson Gerald, Paula Ferguson, and Suzanne Ferguson; four special nieces who served dual roles as “daughters”, Sharon Latimore Taha, Territa Poston, Jewelle Ferguson Daquin and Jessica Ferguson; twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends who will miss him each day.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2023, at Bethel Restoration Center. Live stream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment with military honors to follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park. The viewing will be held on Monday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of his service. Facial coverings are required.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 – (757) 229-3011 – whitingsfuneralhome.com
