Billy Gene Ferguson

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love His appearing." II Timothy 4: 7-8

Billy "Gene" Ferguson, 71, of, Surgoinsville, went to sleep in the arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family and friends at his home on May 10th after a courageous battle with an extended illness.

He was retired from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. After retiring, he moved back to Surgoinsville. Gene enjoyed farming and being outdoors. He attended Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church until his health prevented him from doing so. He loved his church family. Gene was a loving husband, dad and Papaw, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Ollie Ferguson; sisters, Ruby Carberry and Glendola Charlton; and brothers, James L. Ferguson, Jr., Clifford Ferguson, Leonard Ferguson, and Jack Ferguson.

He will be cherished and remembered by his loving family, his beloved wife Margaret; his special son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Barnes and wife Michelle; his four precious grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, Joey, and Rebecca, all of Garden City, MI; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margie and Odell Robinson of Kingsport, Leota and Robert Laws, Kingsport, and Sue and Wayne Snider of NC; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Linda Ferguson of NC; brothers, Roy H. Ferguson of Fall Branch and Earl S. Ferguson of Kingsport; sisters-in-law, Bevelene Ferguson of Kingsport and Aylene Ferguson of Fall Branch; extended family, Bobby and Jan Wines, Junior and Cookie Wines, Helen Pitt, Katheryn Wines, Johnnie Miller, and Myrtle and J.D. Moore; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was loved and cherished by his special cats, Tinkerbell his little nurse and Tiger.

The family would like to express their thanks to the many special friends and our church family for their love and support during Gene's illness. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Dr. Richard Reed, the Church Hill Rescue Squad, and Wellmont Hospice Care for the compassionate care of our loved one.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, or anytime at the residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church in Kingsport with Rev. George Winegar and Rev. Larry Nelson officiating. Prior to the service, Mr. Ferguson's body will be taken to the church at 12 noon. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the funeral service.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church; 153 Eastern Star Exit; Kingsport, TN 37663.