William James "Bill" Ferguson
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William James "Bill" Ferguson, Jr. was a devoted family man, loyal friend, and respected colleague who went to his heavenly home on July 31, 2021 at 73 years of age. He will be remembered for his booming voice, kind heart, dedication to family and friends, and love of God.
Born on October 27, 1947 in Corpus Christi, TX to William James "Jim" Ferguson and Lenola Ferguson, Bill's athletic talents were quickly apparent. He lettered in baseball and football at W. B. Ray High School where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame and is remembered by his coach for his exceptional leadership and tenacity. Bill continued his education and athletic career at Texas Christian University, where he played football and baseball, won the "Fightingest Frog" Award, and earned his place in the TCU Hall of Fame. He led the team in homeruns in 1969 and was All-American Southwest Conference in 1968 and 1969. He was drafted by several major league teams including the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees, and finally signed with the Cincinnati Reds. Returning to Texas, Bill continued his love of competition by playing big-league softball, where he was All-American in three different leagues: National Slow-Pitch Conference, American Slow-Pitch Association, and the US Specialty Sports Association. His teammates fondly remember him as someone who "always made us better."
Bill met and married the love of his life, Janet Leslie Cottingham, and the two spent the next 44 years together raising their son, Ryan, cultivating a multitude of lifelong friendships, and developing a deep connection to the church. He was ordained a deacon of First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi in January 2013 and will be remembered by the congregation as a kind and jovial servant welcoming them to church every Sunday. Bill took great pride in his home and yard and, when not fishing or managing his real estate business, could often be found meticulously mowing his grass, trimming the trees, or working on other outdoor projects.
Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents as well as his sister, Annola Margaret Hall.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Jan; son, Ryan; extended family, and so many dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi. A Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church Bell Tower Fund.