Bill Brown Ferguson was born February 16, 1928, in Laurel, Mississippi, the son of the late Guy M. Ferguson and Emma L. (McCurry) Ferguson. He attended various schools as the family moved around the USA finally settling in Gilchrist, Oregon, graduating from Gilchrist High School, Class of 1946. Upon graduating Bill attended Oregon State University. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in Education. He married Gloria M. Houck in her hometown of Seattle, Washington on August 19, 1950.
He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, having joined the United States Army on June 4, 1951, in Chiloquin, Oregon. Bill served on active duty until February 15, 1953, and reserve duty until honorably discharged on November 5, 1959, at the rank of First Lieutenant. His sons Guy M. and James A. were born during his military service.
After two years of teaching high school science in Vernonia, Oregon, Bill was admitted to University of Oregon Medical School, graduating in 1961. His son Patrick L. was born in March 1961. In 1964 the family moved to the Hillsboro community when Bill formed his medical practice with Fred Nachtigal. He practiced medicine for 30 years, until he retired at the age of 65 years old.
Bill was a member of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church, the Active 20-30 Club in Hillsboro, the Hillsboro Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. # 1862, and the American Medical Association. He had served one term with the Oregon State Legislature.
After his retirement he and Gloria traveled around the United States, seeing the sights and reconnecting with old friends. For many years they wintered at their home in Arizona City and spent summers in Hillsboro and the Oregon coast at their cottage at Arch Cape.
Among his special interests, he enjoyed hunting, golf, and fishing.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Gloria on March 11, 2019, after celebrating over 68 years of marriage together.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Guy M. and Emma Ferguson; his sister Lorena Sue Dornfeld; and two of his sons, James Alan Ferguson and Patrick Lamar Ferguson.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Guy and Rebecca Ferguson of Hillsboro, Oregon; his two granddaughters, Emma and Sophie Ferguson; and his eight nieces and nephews.
The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to Habitat for Humanity or your local Library in his memory.
To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family go to www.fuitenrosehoyt.com.
Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home in Forest Grove is entrusted with the arrangements.
