Willoughby Dozier Ferebee Jr.

Willoughby D. Ferebee, Jr. ("Bill") passed away Friday, September 25, 2026, after a full and well-lived life of 90 years.

A devoted fisherman, he retired early from his civil service career as a Defense Department auditor to spend his days fishing at the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty and Shark Island, and clamming and oystering in Bogue Sound. Bill fished multiple times a week for virtually all of his 35 years of retirement. It gave him great joy to be out at the Cape, even if the fish weren't biting. He took his family and friends for many happy hours on the water.

He will be best remembered for his friendly, positive outlook, his great stories, and his kindness to others. He was always willing to help his friends and neighbors as the local Mr. Fix It who could repair most anything. He was a wonderful husband, a great father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Elizabeth Matthis Ferebee ("Lib"), his son, Andrew Kent Ferebee (and wife, Fran), and daughter, Beth Ferebee Atkins; his grandchildren, William Andrew Ferebee, Kelsey Atkins Harkins (and husband, Andrew), and Jared Matthis Atkins (and wife, Liz); his great-grandchildren, Tyler Ferebee and Charlotte Atkins; and his sister, Susan Ferebee Robbins.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date.

We will miss him but trust that he is somewhere where the weather is good and the fish are biting.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Willoughby D. Ferebee, Jr.