Vernon Lee Ferguson

Vernon Lee Ferguson, 91, of Spillertown, passed away at 10:05 a.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at Sunshine Gardens in Marion.
Vernon was born on October 20, 1934, to Joe Douglas and Barbara Lillie (Dippie) Ferguson. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Wanda Helen Hammonds on October 25, 1958, at Spillertown Baptist Church. They shared 66 years of marriage together, before she preceded him in death on January 15, 2025.
Vernon proudly served his country in the United States National Guard. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career as a coal miner with Peabody Coal Company, where he worked until his retirement.
A man of strong faith, Vernon loved the Lord and was a faithful member and longtime deacon at Spillertown Baptist Church. Vernon never met a stranger or missed out on an opportunity to witness his faith to people. Even while residing in assisted living, he continued to share the gospel with anyone willing to listen. Vernon had the honor of officiating several family members' marriages and leading people to Christ, even in his living room.
Outside of his work and ministry, Vernon enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including boxing, archery, golf, and hunting. He also had a deep interest in radio communication and spent many hours on his CB radio, known as "Spinnerbait," as well as his amateur ham radio, call sign N9ECG. Above all else, Vernon treasured time spent with his family and greatly enjoyed being surrounded by those he loved.
He is survived by his four children, Teressa (Chris) Evetts of Herrin, Mark (Rebecca) Ferguson of Spillertown, Sherry (Chris) Carter of Imperial, MO, and Kim (Greg) Hite of Marion; eighteen grandchildren, Brandy (Steven) Kwiatkowski, Amy (Mike) Hurd, Ashley Ferguson, Autumn (Bobby) Sargent, Morgan Ferguson, Nevaeh Riddle, Josh Leonard, Alicia (Don) Rieger, Cari Carter, Christopher (Ashley) Evetts, Amber (Kelton) Akers, Cady (Rob) Riley, Jonathon (Madeline) Evetts, Abbie (fiancé, Connor) Carter, Marlee Carter, Rylee Hite, Alison Hite and Steven Anderson; 27 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Ferguson of Elgin; brother-in-law, Dewey (Stella) Hammonds of Carterville; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Ferguson of Elgin and Ann Ferguson of Johnston City. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; spouse, Wanda Ferguson; son, Vernon Lee Ferguson, Jr.; grandson, Mark D. Ferguson; siblings, Judy Norris, Peggy Riggs, Larry Ferguson, Jerry Ferguson, Anna Faye (Don) Mormon, JD (Greta) Ferguson, and Marvin Ferguson.
If you had the opportunity to speak with Vernon one final time, he would have one question for you, "Where do you go to church?"
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Spillertown Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Shea officiating. Interment will follow at Davis Praire Cemetery in Marion.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Spillertown Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Spillertown Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church on the day of the service.
Pyle Funeral Home of Johnston City is entrusted is entrusted with the arrangements.