Cecil Raymond Ferguson

1929 - 2025

Cecil Raymond Ferguson of Germantown, Tennessee passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 21, 2025.

Raymond was born on December 25, 1929 to Cecil Robert and Vera Mae (Sally) Ferguson in Memphis, Tennessee at St. Joseph's hospital. As a teenager he worked with his brothers, Edward and Gordon, at the family business, Ferguson's Cafe. He graduated from Tech High School in 1947.

In 1949 Raymond met Johnnie Lucille Boggiano working at Lowenstein's department store in downtown Memphis. Their whirlwind romance began at Rainbow Roller Rink, and they were married on March 19, 1950. In 1951 they welcomed their first son, Ray. Their only daughter Mary was born in 1959, and their son John completed the family in 1965.

Beginning in 1950 Raymond began his career with Illinois Central Railroad. He started as a clerk in Memphis, rose to Train Master, and ultimately served as Assistant Superintendent of Operations while serving in Chicago, Illinois. Highlights of his career include leading the logistics for Gerald Ford's 1976 presidential campaign dubbed "The President Express." Additionally his expertise ran so deep that he was called to testify before Congress as a subject matter expert in railway safety regulations. Arguably his most important contribution to the industry was serving on the committee that piloted the Piggy Back system that integrated rail cargo and trucking operations across the United States.

After retiring in 1988, Raymond was restless and found a new purpose, managing the Ford Motor Company's mailroom for over 10 years. He brought the same vigor and work ethic to his retirement position as his railroad career.

Johnnie Lou and Raymond enjoyed a loving 75 year-long marriage, playing golf, hosting dinner parties, bowling in leagues, being active members in their church, playing poker, and watching Jeopardy together in their later years. They laughed easily and found joy in hosting their grown children and grandchildren for holidays and family gatherings. In March of 2025 they celebrated their 75th anniversary by reaffirming their love and exchanging new rings with family looking on. His heart beat for his family. He was happiest when his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were at his house. He cherished every make-believe session, craft, card, phone call, graduation, or school performance.

Raymond embodied so many qualities that made him the best dad and grandad one could ask for. He could fix just about anything, loved to laugh, was an avid vegetable gardener, and enjoyed a good meal - always with hot sauce. He was a two-time blue ribbon winner at the Mid-South Fair, first in 1930 for the cutest baby award and again in the early 2000s for best jalapenos. He worked hard at everything he did, often noting "If it is worth doing, it's worth doing right."

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Johnnie, his children: Ray Ferguson, Mary Williamson (TV), LTC John Ferguson (Wilda), his grandchildren: Vera Dimilo (Leo), Olivia Wilmot (Tommy Pacello, deceased), Devin and Julia Ferguson, and three great-grandchildren: Gia Dimilo, Colette Pacello, and Cecile Pacello.

Preceding Raymond in death include his parents Bob and Sally Ferguson, his brothers Edward and Gordon Ferguson, and his grandson Phillip Ferguson.

The memorial service will be held at High Point Funeral Home on July 26 at 11:00am, followed by a gathering at Central BBQ, 4375 Summer Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Page Robbins Adult Day Center, where people with memory loss can find joy and community and care givers find support and resources.