Papa, Rest in Peace

My grandfather, Wilbourne Thomas Ferguson, passed away from a stroke-induced coma today. He was 81 years old, a widower of Martha Ellen Ferguson, and is survived by his eldest son (my father) Larry Ferguson, his younger sons Gerald and Terry Ferguson, his daughter Suzie Srams, and their respective grandchildren.

My grandfather was a World War II veteran, having served a year in the Pacific Front as a guard patrolman, Private First Class in the 20th Infantry Regiment out of Alabama, specifically stationed in the Phillipines and Korea. He came through physically unscathed, and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal. He was also rated a marksman with the M1 rifle.

After the war he lived nearly all of his life near Montgomery, AL, having established a small family farm upon which his children were raised and his grandchildren often visited. He kept goats, horses, rabbits, and guinea hens. He loved nothing more than to sit in his back yard, surrounded by family to talk to, watching the children run around and play, and taking life at his own pace in his own way.

We will miss you, Papa. Be with God.