Reverend Billy L. Ferguson

Reverend Billy Lewis Ferguson, 88, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, January 13th, 2012, after a long illness. Billy served as a navigator on PBY’s and B-24’s aircraft during the North African Invasion in WWII, and The Korean Conflict.After the war, he was an accountant for Duke Power and then a clerk and letter carrier with the US Post Office, in both Charlotte, NC and Ft. Pierce, FL, and retired after 32 years with the post office.

Billy’s love was for the Lord, his family, and the church. His passion and skill in serving as a lay pastor led him to dedicate his retirement years to serving as a full-time pastor after devoting many years to study. He took pastoral home study coursework through the Southern Baptist Convention, and Luther Rice Seminary. He subsequently broadened his theological training during two extended seminary study trips to Israel.
He led the effort that organized and built Chapel by the Sea, and served as that congregation’s first pastor, under the direction of Treasure Coast Baptist Association. His selfless character inspired church members to be diligent in donating time and financial resources to build the church, and work towards early mortgage retirement for the building. He was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus, Chapel by the Sea, upon his retirement.
After this second retirement, his devotion to God led him to again become involved in pastoral work when he was called to serve and reorganize Fellsmere Historical Church in the 1990’s. He served there until medical issues forced his final retirement in 2003.

Billy was predeceased by his parents; Floyd M. Ferguson, Sr., and Grace W. Ferguson; and sisters Nettie Hurd and Dorothy Rorie; and brother Floyd M. Ferguson, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Frances Wentz Ferguson and son, David Lewis Ferguson, both of Fort Pierce, FL; daughter, Donna Arnold of Port St. Lucie; sisters, Ruth Surratt and June Blackwell, both of Charlotte, NC; one granddaughter, Sherry Jackson (husband, John); and two great-grandsons, Connor and Sean of Tallahassee, FL.

Visitation and Services will be at Chapel by the Sea, on Friday 1/20/2012. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, and the service will follow at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be at White City Cemetery.