Robert (Bob) Everette Ferguson

Robert “Bob” Everette Ferguson, 85, of Madison Heights, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2016, at his residence. He was the loving husband of Bonnie Ferguson. Born on September 2, 1930, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Nelson Everette Ferguson and Leonie Doss Ferguson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy Brunette, and Joan E. Ferguson.

Bob is survived by his wife and traveling companion, Bonnie Ferguson; son, Richard Ferguson and wife, Nancy of Wisc. and their seven children and 13 grandchildren; daughter, Mona Putney of Wisc. and her three children and seven grandchildren; son, Jason Ferguson and wife, Sarah of Madison Heights and their three children; attentive daughter and house mate, Wendy Edwards of Madison Heights; and devoted caretaker, Tawanna Warren.

Bob was a Lynchburg native and loved the hill city and the “T Room”. After graduating from E C Glass H.S., he joined the USAF in 1948 and served 20 years. He was based in Viet Nam, Okinawa, Louisiana, California, and many other places. He suffered from the effects of Agent Orange but never complained about serving and was a proud patriot.

After retiring from the USAF in 1969, he completed his education at Lynchburg College and after receiving his Bachelors’ of Arts in 1972 and his Master of Education in 1984, he served again by teaching history to high schoolers at Amherst High. He also taught courses of nerve racking, exciting and sometimes funny drivers education! He enjoyed the challenges of teaching and was always delighted whenever after retirement he met former students in public who remembered and acknowledged him.

Bob was the ambassador and Bard of the Ferguson/Doss clan, always visiting the many aunts, uncles, and cousins scattered from Smith Mtn. Lake to Appomattox. He wrote wonderful poems in honor of many in the family who passed away, keeping their memory alive with wit and tenderness. He spent many hours clearing brush and chopping down those “darn pine trees” at his home in Naola and spent many summers filled with visiting grandchildren, taking them from the North West territory to Disney World.

After retiring from teaching in 1993, he finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of travel. He and Bonnie were blessed to be able to travel the world- seeing many wonderful places, enjoying much of the history of the old world and ancient orient.

Bob led a very full life and was always happy to share stories with everyone.

His wife and family wish to thank especially Dr. Thomas Meyer, Dr. Robert Vogel and Dr. Peter Betz for their caring attention to his health and wellbeing and to the hospice team and many friends who helped and encouraged him in his suffering from the long goodbye of Alzheimers.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at Spring Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Judy Morris and the Rev. Glenn Coleman officiating. Military honors will be presented by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

To honor his memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Patrick Henry Family Services, P.O. Box 1398, Brookneal, VA 24528-1398.

Whitten Monelison Chapel is assisting the family (929-5712). To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.