Frederick Ferguson

Frederick Ferguson was born on August 16, 1931, in Emerson, Arkansas to Marvin and Ruth Ferguson. He passed away on June 23, 2019. He was the oldest of nine children.

When he was a boy he was already working in the fields side by side with his dad.

He attended Webster and Brown High Schools but did not graduate because he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1951. He loved his Country and served it with dignity and honor. He earned the nickname Top because he was the best Marine there ever was. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1981. During his 30 years as a Marine, Fredrick fought in Korea and Vietnam earning two Purple Heart Medals. He was also a Steward for over 9 years and a Baker for over 24 years. He was stationed in Vallejo, California, Honolulu, Hawaii and Oceanside, California.

He was married to his one true love, Katie Ruth Satcher, for over 66 years. He treated her like a queen. While he did most of the cooking, he sure loved Katie’s potato salad. They had four children, Kathryn, Marinea, Frances and Eric. Fredrick was also a father figure to all of the neighborhood kids. Unlike most fathers at the time, Frederick taught his children that they could do anything they wanted to do no matter their gender. His daughters learned how to fix cars and his son learned how to bake. He treated them all equally and with respect.

He was a great father but he was an even better grandfather. Practice really does make perfect. He loved his six grandchildren more than anything. He attended every sporting event, dance recital, birthday party, graduation, wedding, etc. No matter what the event, he was there with his video camera recording every precious moment and cheering at the top of his lungs. He taught them everything they know from how to change a tire to how to fry the perfect catfish. He grew food in his backyard garden, he loved eating corn bread crumbs with buttermilk and ice cubes, he loved to sing (especially duets with his son), He loved his family, he loved friends, he loved life. But most importantly, he taught them how to be strong, independent, positive people.

He was an incredible chef. He could cook anything and everything but his favorites were southern soul food. He never wasted any food. He either shared with his dogs or His skills didn’t stop at the main course, he was also an incredible baker. He was the original Cake Boss. He baked & decorated elaborate cakes for U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries, and his family and friends.

He loved cars, especially, Cadillacs. After he retired from the Marines, he studied Auto Mechanics at Mira Costa College.

He could fix a car faster than any shop and the best part was, he always worked for free! His skills didn’t stop at cars though, he could fix just about anything. Broken heater? Fred can fix it. Science Fair project? Fred can make it. There was nothing that he couldn’t do.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ruth Ferguson, brother Senior Ferguson, wife Katie Ferguson and daughter Kathryn Ferguson Sharpe.

He is survived by his Daughters: Marinea Goodson (Michael), Frances Ferguson, Son, Eric Ferguson (Yvonne), Grandchildren: Christopher Gray (Andrea), Marcus Holt, Jason Owens (Anni), Marcel Owens, John Perry-Goodson, Erica Ferguson and Katie Rose Ferguson, Great Grandchildren: Savannah and Alyssa Gray, Anthony Guerrero, Jordyn and Cassius Owens. Brothers: James Ferguson (Jean), Ira Ferguson (Maxine), Larry Ferguson (Terric), Robert Ferguson, Billie Ferguson (Dean), Sisters: Faye Williams, Baby Ruth Brantley (Glenn), many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

He treated his friends like family and his family like royalty. He was a teacher, a friend, a hero and a legend. There will never be another Frederick Ferguson. He was last of the chosen few.