Wayne Ferguson

A generous, loving man whose family always came first best describes John “Wayne” Ferguson, 80 who went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Gaston County on August 23, 1936 to the late Sam Lee Ferguson and Viola (Gaddis) Ferguson. Wayne loved his country and was proud to serve in the National Guard in the 120th Infantry. He loved Texas Pete Hot Sauce and enjoyed being a private independent man. He and his wife traveled extensively before she became ill and as was his character Wayne was a devoted caregiver to his wife Opal and other family members.

Those left behind to cherish his memories are his daughters, Rhonda Auten and husband, Greg of Gastonia, Kelly Reitzel and husband, Chris of Mount Pleasant, NC; three grandchildren, Bryan Lutz (Niki), Allison Hinson (Steven) and Alan Reitzel; five great-grandchildren, Elijah Foster, Kaleb Lutz, Tristan Lutz, John Rylan Pennington, and Steven Hinson.

Wayne was preceded in death by his loving wife, Opal, brothers, Roy Ferguson and Jerry Ferguson and grandson, Christopher Shawn Lutz.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel in Gastonia. Pastor Harvey Gates will preside. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262, or St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, 301 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences and fond memories may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com;

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Ferguson family.