Ross Ferguson

Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, on September 24, 1936, Ross was the son of John Ross (Jack) and Jessie Spence Ferguson. He passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Ross attended Cardenden Primary School from 1942 to 1949 and completed his education at Auchterderran Secondary School in 1952. He began working with his father as a chimney sweep before trying out for a local professional football team. Soon after, Ross started as an apprentice electrician at the Fettykil papermill, which became the foundation of his lifelong passion for engineering. To advance his career, Ross joined the Royal Air Force, signing up for five years, training as an electrical engineer and working on radar systems, with a notable posting in Malta. During his service, he also learned how to free dive and spear fish.

At 22, Ross returned to Edinburgh and joined Ferranti, an electrical engineering firm and defense contractor. He lived in a caravan and attended night school, ultimately earning his electrical engineering degree. Ross and his brother Bill were known for their lively spirits, often seen at local dance halls, and legendary adventures, which included one that led to a night in jail, likely due to a dispute over girls. On one memorable evening at the Burma Ballroom in Kirkcaldy, Ross met the love of his life, Alison Gwendoline Ferguson, who would become his wife for 63 years. From that moment, Ross knew Gwen was the one and, within weeks, asked her to marry him, and the two were married on November 18, 1961. In 1964, Ross and Gwen moved to Singapore, where Ross, working for Ferranti, commissioned the Bloodhound missile defense system. Their first son, Stephen, was born there. After completing his work in Singapore in 1966, the family returned to Penicuik, Scotland, where Alan was born. In 1970, the family moved back to Kirkcaldy to be closer to Gwen's parents, and their third son, Neil, arrived in 1972. In 1979, Ross became General Manager of Ferranti Offshore Systems Limited, and moved to Banchory, where the family welcomed their fourth son, Scott, in 1982. Ross spearheaded the development of the first SCADA system for the North Sea Oil Platforms using Ferranti’s Argus computer systems. He traveled frequently for work, especially to the United States, but cherished his time at home golfing, working on cars, and fishing with his sons.

In 1983, Ross and Gwen made the life-changing decision to move their family to the United States. Ross initially planned to take over Gulf Radiotelephone & Electronics (GRE), with the aim of eventually involving his sons in the business. When that plan fell through, Ross joined ICC, a telecommunications company, in 1986, which later became Inter-Tel. Steve and Alan soon followed, and together, the family saw an opportunity to start their own business. After months of planning, they incorporated DataVox in 1988. Ross was instrumental in its early success, developing a telemarketing auto-dialer and the innovative Doubletalk software suite, which included features like Virtual Assistant, Silent Message, and Call Record—capabilities reminiscent of today’s Microsoft Teams. DataVox became a source of pride, bringing the family closer together as they built and ran the company.

Around 2005, Ross’s youngest son Scott pursued professional golf; Ross dedicated himself as Scott’s coach and caddy, supporting him through Q-School and sharing his own passion for the game. When Scott returned home to start work at DataVox, Ross began coaching his granddaughter Courtney, who went on to play collegiate golf at the University of Houston. After Courtney left for college, Ross retired fully, and enjoyed spending his days, researching, buying and selling boats—famously naming them “Last Chance” and “Last Chance 2.” He relished weekends duck hunting with Steve, Andrew, and Alec, enjoying early mornings in the blind and returning home to Gwen’s home cooked breakfasts and sharing stories of new gadgets Ross had purchased.

In retirement, Ross and Gwen traveled the world on cruises, savoring their time together. Ross was devoted to his family, cherishing every moment with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and growing even closer to Gwen—although they always had separate coffee makers. He was a constant presence at family events, cheering at games, recitals, competitions, and birthdays. Ross’s curiosity and drive never waned; he was always researching new technologies, negotiating deals, and testing gadgets for his hobbies, whether it was shooting, photography, golf, or the endless pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee.

Of all his achievements, Ross was most proud of his four sons, their loving families, and the business they built together. He treasured that this success allowed the family to remain close and connected. Ross is survived by his sons and their wives: Stephen and Shannon, Alan and Jody, Neil and Michelle, and Scott and MaryAnn; his grandchildren: Allyson (David Lawton), Courtney (Emily), Andrew (Peyton), Matthew (Whitney), Alec, Rebecca (Andy Wilson), Jessie (Jaden McInnis), Ailie, Sydney, and John Ross; six great-grandchildren: Kendall, Sophie, Charli, Beckett, Willow, and Brooks; his brother Les (Jacqui Ferguson), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, his parents, Jack and Jessie Ferguson, his brother Bill, and his granddaughter Lauren Michelle Ferguson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ross’s life at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, Texas, 77469, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Morton Cemetery, 401 N. 2nd Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.