William “Richard” Ferdon went to be with His Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, after a long and gallant battle with several heath complications. He passed surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Richard was born November 12, 1942 in New Orleans, LA and was raised in Norco, LA. He graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss, University of Mississippi in 1963. After graduation Richard was employed by Ole Miss as a leading innovator in their computer science department, developing cutting edge programs that modernized the university’s data system.
At the height of the Vietnam conflict Richard voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army. When asked where he wanted to go, Richard said “anywhere I’m needed.” The Army obliged, sending him to Germany for three years where he held a top-secret clearance and worked in the military decoding department repairing cryptography machines. Following his military career, he returned to Ole Miss to continue working in the computer science department.
Richard became a resident of Destrehan, LA in 1978 when he joined his father, C. B. Ferdon in the family business, Ferdon Insurance Agency. He continued to thrive in the insurance industry while beginning a very long and successful career in commercial and residential real estate. He also served as the president of the Norco Lions Club, was a member of the South Coast Gas board of directors, and spent his weekends as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In addition, he also served on the community advisory panel of Monsanto, as a deacon of the Luling Presbyterian Church, and as a real estate broker for Latter & Blum.
Richard was also the epitome of the true Louisiana sportsman and his many passions included hunting, boating, water skiing, marksmanship, and spending time at his camp.
Richard met the love of his life and wife of 42 years, Edie in 1978 where they were married at the Presbyterian church of Good Hope, Louisiana. They led a successful joint career in real estate and property investment along with many other joint ventures.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Edith Cunard Ferdon, son, William S. Whitfield, granddaughters, Elizabeth and Seele Whitfield, brother, Dr. Ben Ferdon and his wife, Jane Ferdon, nieces, Emily Rector, Lucy Ferdon, Sally Long, and great-nephew, Logan Rector.
Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Estelle Ferdon and his father C.B. Ferdon of Norco, Louisiana.
A funeral service will be held for Richard on Friday, April 9, 2021 at H. C. Alexander Funeral Home, 821 Fourth St. Norco, LA. Visitation will be held from 10AM-11AM with a service to begin at 11AM. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
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