Sammy Joe Ferguson

Sammy Joe Ferguson was born in the small East Texas town of Bivins on October 2, 1932. On January 20, 2015, Sam's heavenly Father took him home for eternity. Sam was born to parents John Hollie and Harriet Evelyn Allday Ferguson. He grew up and attended school in Atlanta, Texas, where he played football and graduated from Atlanta High School in 1950. Sam, along with six other barely-18-year-old boys, dropped out of school at mid-term of their senior year and enlisted in the Air Force. They were assured that their early departure from school would not hinder their graduation. He had already served 1 ? years in the Army National Guard during high school. After training, Sam served as a draftsman during much of his stint in the Air Force on the Island of Guam. This was during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in May 1954. Upon leaving the service of his country, Sam enrolled at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, later termed Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. After graduation from Texas A&M University, he and Joyce Estelle Horn of Bryan, Texas, whom he married July 18,1959, made their home in San Jose, California. They spent six years in the bay area before relocating to Dallas in March, 1965, with their two-year-old daughter, Kara. While in California, Sam worked for Ampex Corporation in Redwood City. Sam worked for several technology firms here in the metroplex during his professional career. These included GeoTech, Recognition Equipment, Electrospace, and Raytheon Corporation in Richardson, retiring from Raytheon. As an engineer, he designed equipment and served as project manager on classified communication systems for use in the military. Sam and Joyce made their home in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas where they raised three children. Sam is survived by wife Joyce Ferguson, daughter Kara Chumbley and her husband Brett, of Dallas; daughter Stacey Dennard and her husband Darren, of Rockwall, and son Kyle Ferguson of Dallas. Sam is also survived by four grandchildren whom he adored: Justin Chumbley, Jordan Chumbley, Hudson Dennard, and Hannah Dennard. He is survived by a dear sister, Norma Ruth Wills of Kemp, a brother Neil Hollie Ferguson of south Texas, and numerous nephews and nieces. Over the years Sam was an active member of the Northlake Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, choir member, athletic director, and coach of youth sports. He also served in the Highland Meadows neighborhood Volunteers in Patrol. Sam enjoyed spending time at his computer corresponding with long-time school and work friends, and getting together with family. An avid sports fan, Sam followed the Mavs, Cowboys, Rangers, and of course, the Texas Aggies. His family will celebrate his life at a graveside service at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery.