Gretna….…..James William Ferguson, Sr., age 81 of Gretna died Thursday, June 29, 2017 at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Born January 30, 1936 in Pittsylvania County he was a son of the late, Luther William Ferguson and Ola Maxey Ferguson. He was predeceased by two brothers, John Ferguson and Wallace Ferguson; and four sisters, Willie Mae Butler, Gladys Holland, Juanita Bailey and Jewell Barbour. Mr. Ferguson was a member of Round Pond Baptist Church and was a former Inspector for Abbott Laboratories. He was a Navy Veteran having served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Mr. Ferguson enjoyed gardening, woodworking; and loved to fish, he was an Expert Angler and received 90 citations. James enjoyed cracking black walnuts and sharing them with his family and friends. He and Lorene loved the mountain scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, as well as spending time with family on the Tye River.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorene Chism Ferguson of the residence; two sons, James "Jay" William Ferguson, Jr. and wife, Leaza of Hampton and Alan Wayne Ferguson and wife, Holly of Gretna; two daughters, Janet Leigh Clark of Hampton and Tammy Dowdy of Sandy Level; one brother, Gary Ferguson and wife, Edna of Madison Heights; three sisters, Doris Kinsler and husband, Bud of Hurt, Josie Burks of Madison Heights and Audrey Rigney of Roanoke; six grandchildren, David Dowdy and fiancée, Gwen, James Arthur and significant other, Crystal, Shannon Miller and husband, Lane, Dylan Clark, Ashleigh Ferguson and Katie Ferguson; and one great-grandson, Gabe Layne.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2017 at Summersett Baptist Church by Rev. Jason Andrews. Burial with Military Honors by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232 will follow in Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 P.M. Sunday July 2, 2017 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.