LaVerin Ferguson

LaVerin “Bill” Ferguson, age 80, of Monroe, MI passed away Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12:55 PM at Tendercare of Monroe where he had been since January. He had been in poor health since November. Bill was born August 4, 1928 in Tazewell, TN the son of the late Johnnie and Axie (Hensley) Ferguson. Bill moved to Monroe in the late 1940’s where on March 17, 1950 he married his beloved wife the former Marion “Joyce” Wilhite. Sadly she preceded him in death on July 12, 2001. Bill became a member of the US Army during the Korean War and proudly served his country from 1952 until his discharge in 1954. For his valor Bill was awarded the Army Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Bill worked as a Job Sitter for Chrysler in Perrysburg, OH for 27 years until his retirement in 1991. Prior to Chrysler, Bill worked for Coca Cola in Toledo, OH and as a Security Guard for Union Camp in Monroe. Bill also owned several rental properties that he enjoyed caring for, he also enjoyed gardening. Bill was a man of great integrity and strong work ethic. Bill is survived by his 3 loving children; Johnnie D. (Sherry) Ferguson of Toledo, OH, Cathy (Morgan) Ledford and Vicky (Mark) Baltrip both of Monroe, 9 cherished grandchildren; Jason (Joy) Baltrip, Lynn Marie Baltrip, Joshua Baltrip, William (Ada) Ledford, Jason (Jessica) Ledford, Sabrina (Todd) Riling, Eric Ferguson, Michael (Mischelle) Ferguson and Amanda Ferguson, 9 treasured great grandchildren, 2 brothers; Lawrence (Dawn) Ferguson of Garden City, MI and Donald (Kathy) Dobbs of Maynardville, TN, and 3 sisters; Ruth Longworth of Monroe, Ruby Ferguson of Newport and Jackie Pitcher of Monroe. In addition to his wife Joyce and parents Bill was preceded in death by his brother Westal Fergerson and 2 sisters; Josephine Crook and Shirley Sesan. A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe. The Rev. Cath Lathers Chaplain of Compassionate Care Hospice will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5820 Lilley Rd, Suite 1 Canton, MI 48187.