Born June 9, 1924 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mr. Ferguson was a son of the late Crawford J. and Elva Ferguson. He was a long-time resident of Charlotte and was educated in the city schools, graduating from Central High School, where he was a member of the varsity football, basketball and track teams and was President of the Student Council.
A veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, he held the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart, as well as four air medals and four battle stars.
During World War II, Mr. Ferguson was an 8th Air Force B-17 waist gunner. As the 8th Air Force precisely and relentlessly destroyed major targets in enemy-occupied Europe, he fought exacting missions to Berlin, Munich and a heavy schedule of Nazi military and industrial targets. On D-Day, his flying fortress, “The Old Shillelagh”, destroyed heavy gun installations at Longues’ coastal batteries.
During the Korean Conflict, he served as an Infantry officer.
An honors graduate of the University of Kentucky, Mr. Ferguson later pursued courses in political science at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Remaining in Geneva, Mr. Ferguson was Managing Editor of The Swiss Reporter, an English language newspaper for English speaking nationals.
In Charlotte, he was Vice President of the old Eagle Stores Company and served on its Board of Directors.
Mr. Ferguson was a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church where he was a former President of the Men’s Bible Class and a Stephen Minister. He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and consistently supported programs for America’s combat wounded.
Mr. Ferguson’s life will be celebrated with full military honors from the graveside in the National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 16th.
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