William Ferguson

Family-Placed Death Notice

DR. WILLIAM D. FERGUSON Dr. William D. Ferguson, 77, of Norcross, GA, died March 29, 2006. William Dean Ferguson was born July 31, 1928 in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania. He attended Lebanon Valley College earning his AB degree in 1949 and Cornell University Law School receiving his JD in 1955. In 1975, he was awarded the S.J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. After a brief period as an Assistant Attorney General in the New York State Law Department, he entered private practice in Albany, New York. In 1962, he joined the faculty of the University of South Dakota Law School. A year later, in 1963, Bill joined the Emory Law School faculty. Over the years he taught most of the curriculum and almost every student. He is best remembered for his teaching in Civil Procedure, Conflicts, Federal Jurisdiction and Trial Advocacy. He was a demanding teacher who truly cared about his students and was both feared and loved by his students and colleagues. Although he took Emeritus status in 1998, he remained an active member of the law school community and additionally built a national reputation as a labor arbitrator. As recently as January 2006, Bill was awarded the Distinguished Emeritus Faculty Award by the Emeritus College of Emory University. Bill was devoted to Donna, his wife of 50 years and to their children, Kim, Karen and Dean.Bill was a pillar of strength not only to the Emory community, but first and foremost to his family. The tremendous burdens he shouldered throughout his lifetime sheltered all of his loved ones from many difficult times and struggles. Perhaps the most difficult was the loss of his beloved first child, Kim Marie Ferguson, upon her untimely death. At a time when many persons' faith would have been shaken, Bill remained steadfast in his support and commitment to the Lord and to his family. It is a testament to his lifelong struggle that his surviving family members recall their lives as times of happiness and fond memories, and that they are joined together to celebrate the joyfulness of his life and to share in his rich legacy. His spiritual journey was made complete by the compassionate aid of Father Rock Schuler and the community of Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, Georgia. He is survived by Donna, Karen and Dean, daughter in law, Ramona and grandchildren, Marisa and William Daniel (W.D.), his brother Jim and sister Patricia, and their families. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Christ Church Episcopal, 400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, GA 30071 (770-447-1166). The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, www.lungusa.org. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092, (770) 448-5757.