William Preston Ferguson

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia announces the death of Mr. William Preston Ferguson, age 91 of Cornelia, who passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009, at a private healthcare facility following a brief illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Monday, January 26, 2009, at Cornelia First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Blaine Walker officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the VFW Post #7720 of Cornelia, American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 PM until 8:00 AM on Sunday, January 25, 2009.

Born in Habersham County January 21, 1918, he was the son of the late Lamar and Nelle Landrum Ferguson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Berdie Hogan, LaNelle Strother and Jeanette Maxcy; and brothers, Marland Ferguson and Jon Angus Ferguson, Sr.

Mr. Ferguson grew up in Decatur, Georgia and attended the First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Decatur Boys High, where he played basketball and football. Upon graduation, he attended Emory University and Oglethorpe University. He served our country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station.

Mr. Ferguson and his wife, the former Louise Broyles of Decatur, then moved to Macon, Georgia where they lived for 38 years and raised their three children. He was an active member of Tattnall Square Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon, Elder and youth leader. He was also a Mason, Shriner and a member of the Kiwanis Club.

Willie retired from Owens-Illinois after 35 years of dedicated service in the Lily-Tulip Cup Division. In 1987 Willie and Louise moved to Cornelia where he became an active member of the Cornelia First Presbyterian Church as Elder and was a member of the Saints and Sinners Sunday School Class.

Willie loved giving back to his community by volunteering at Sharing and Caring and he was avid golfer during his retirement. He especially enjoyed being involved in activities with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an inspiring example to all who knew him and was loved for his kind, gentle manner.


Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Louise Broyles Ferguson of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Dr. Tom Field and Bette and John Edwards, all of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Julie Ferguson of Mt. Dora, Florida; sister, Stella Gehrt of Dover, Delaware; brother, Palmer Leroy Ferguson of Atlanta; seven grandchildren: Lee Ferguson; Brenda Lange; Keith Ferguson; Elizabeth Witherspoon; Caroline Hollier; Thomas Field, Jr.; Suzanne Edwards; and ten great-grandchildren.




An online guest book is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.



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