Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
WILLIAM FERGUSON Obituary
Retired Chairman and CEO of NYNEX (now Verizon), died October 14, 2015, in Jupiter, Florida. He was 84. From 1989 until his retirement in 1995, Mr. Ferguson led the transformation of the company for the newly competitive communications era, expanding its wireless footprint, diversifying into international markets and advocating for reform of the nation's telecommunications policies. Over a Bell System career spanning more than four decades, he also held leadership positions at Michigan Bell and served as president of New York Telephone from 1983 to 1987. In addition, he was active on several corporate and charitable boards. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Ferguson attended Albion College, where he earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts in 1952. Bill tirelessly gave back to Albion throughout his lifetime as a parent, donor, professor, board chair and acting president. Mr. Ferguson is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce Ferguson; his three daughters, Laura Ferguson, Ellen Keleman (Robert), and Joanne Gerrish (Shep); seven grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Albion College in his name at www.albion.edu/giving
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM FERGUSON
5 Entries
Chuck
October 16, 2023
He help me go from a Technician to Senior Engineer traveling the United States and Canada until I retired after 35 years. Due to Bill´s amazing insight and support. Thank you again Bill.
Chuck
May 20, 2023
Mr. Ferguson was a wonderful man who cared about his people. I had gotten myself is a jam at Mi Bell and he saved me. I went on to be an invaluable employee thanks to him.
November 12, 2015
Joyce, our deepest sympathy to your family and to you. Bill will be fondly remembered!
Nancy an Bill Edison
Mildred Wood
November 11, 2015
I worked with Bill on the LCC Board of Directors. What a great man. I think of him often. My condolences.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Char
October 22, 2015
To the Ferguson family:
So sorry for your loss. I wanted to send my condolences during this time. May the God of comfort give you strength to find peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 83:18)
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in WILLIAM FERGUSON's name
Memorial Events
for WILLIAM FERGUSON
How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor WILLIAM FERGUSON's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
