Donald “Don” Ray Ferguson, a devoted, faithful, and kind-hearted man, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, where the love of his life, Sylvia, was waiting on him. Donald was 81 years old and resided in Hixson, Tennessee.
Born on June 15, 1944, Don was a graduate of Red Bank High School, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He furthered his education at the Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida, and earned a master's degree in divinity from the New Orleans Bible Theological School. Don was a retired minister having served at several churches in the Chattanooga area: Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Ridgecrest Baptist Church and Bartlebaugh Baptist Church but a pastor never retires.
Don served his country with honor in the United States Army as a Paratrooper, earning the Marksman's Machine Rifle award. His valor and bravery were recognized with Purple Heart w/OLC; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge and Markman Rifle, Bronze Star with "V" for Valor.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Sylvia Elizabeth Sparks Ferguson; parents, Clentie Marie Hobbs and Martin Ferguson; siblings, James Earl, Roy Lee, Guy Ferguson and
Ann Marie Newcomer.
Don is survived by his two daughters, Cindy (Ace) Gardner and Carisa (Steve) Patty; grandchildren, Cole (Katie), Jake (Erin), and Conner Ray Patty, Cassidy (Joseph) Brockwell, and Cameron (Ryne) Eads; and great-grandchildren, Britton, Sylvie, and Carter James Patty, Browen, Beau Brockwell, and Isla Sylvia Eads. He is also survived by his sister, Claudette Johnson, brother-in-law, Bill (Link) Sparks, and many nieces and nephews.
Don had a passion for hunting, fishing, and sharing the Gospel. He was a loving husband, father, Paw Paw, and friend. He has left a legacy of love for Jesus and his family and is cherished by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Pastor Don’s life will follow at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the North Chapel with Pastor Tony Wilson, Reverend Sam Bollinger, and Marvin Kirkpatrick officiating.
Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park (Duck Pond).
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to The Gideon Foundation.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
