Leonard Ferguson

Leonard Claude Ferguson Sr, was born on Dec 11, 1931, in Knoxville Tennessee, to Blaine Underwood and Iva Stuart Ferguson. As a young man, Leonard wore many hats, working as an insurance agent, electrician and even as a cook for a while. In 1950, Leonard enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. During that time he met and married May Belle Cole, in 1951. Together they shared six children. After 25 years, their marriage ended, but they remained friends until her passing in 2005. Later in life he discovered his true passion, which was carpentry. Leonard was very talented, and he could build anything out of wood. He often told his family that while sleeping he built an entire set of kitchen cabinets, in his dreams. So when he woke up at 4 AM, he would put pencil to paper, and there would be the most beautiful set of cabinets, along with a cut list, so work could begin. In 1995, he was blessed with another daughter at the age of 64, after years of raising her, he left the family home. Sadly he lost contact with her. Leonard knew that he had made mistakes that he regretted and wished his actions had not driven her away from the rest of the family that loved her. Leonard was preceded in death by both of his parents; Iva and stepfather Clifford Ferguson; two sons; Richard Lee Ferguson and Leonard Claude Ferguson Jr; one daughter; Katherine Joan Wright; and one grandson; George Alan Bussey. He is survived by daughters; Pat Rupe, Sandy Barnhill and Juanita Ferguson; son; Edwin Ferguson and wife Jonice Ferguson. Leonard was also blessed with thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. A viewing is scheduled on May 4, 2015, 10:00 AM at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory. Graveside service will follow at South Park Cemetery at 11:00 AM. The Fraternal Order of Eagles will be hosting a luncheon at 12:30 PM, at 3201 S. Sunset for friends and family. Everyone is invited. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories of Leonard with his family in the online register at andersonbethany.com. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Leonard Ferguson

December 11, 1919 - April 29, 2015