William C. Ferguson, Jr., 65 of Forest City, NC passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the Hospice House of Rutherford County. Billy was born on November 3, 1947 in Rutherford County, NC to Eulene Hollar Ferguson and the late William Carson Ferguson, Sr. He graduated in 1966 from R.S. Central High School. He graduated from Isothermal Community College and then attended Western Carolina University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1979 with a B.S. in Social Work. He spent the majority of his career in social work employed at Eckerd Wilderness Camp for Youth and Rutherford County DSS. Billy also worked for Rutherford Life Services and NC Employment Security Commission before he finally retired. He had many hobbies and pastimes. Among his favorites were playing golf, shooting pool with Megan, strolling Carson, riding his Harley and going fishing. He also volunteered much of his time as a master ramp builder for NC Housing Partnership. Billy was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton and also served on the Board of Directors for Rutherford Life Services and Habitat Resale Store. Not only was Billy a friend you could depend on any time, he was also a smart man of very few words but when he did speak, it was with laughter and knowledge. He was a funny man with a great sense of humor that considered himself a “Jack of all Trades, Mr. Fix It”. The best word to describe Billy is magical. He enjoyed helping others with their personal projects as well as piddling around with his own “honey do” lists. “Buddy” as he is affectionately known was the most loving and devoted grandfather, dad, husband, brother and son. He loved his family and always put them and their needs first because he was a kind man with a giving heart as big as all outdoors. One of his proudest accomplishments was his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps. Billy was a sergeant who worked on helicopters during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge in 1974. Semper Fi is the motto by which he chose to live his life and it was reflected in everything he did. In addition to his father, Billy was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Joel “Joey” Ferguson. Besides his precious mother, his family left behind to cherish memories are: Wife of 38 years, Joyce Hill Ferguson; Son, Patrick Ferguson and fiancée, Crystal Eason; Daughter, Joy Dotson; Granddaughter, Megan Harrill: Grandson, Carson Ferguson; Sister, Janice Ferguson Summers; Brother, Jerold “JoJo” Ferguson; A special Brother-In-Law, Dennis Hill and his wife, Delores Hill; Sister-In-Law, Linda McClure; Aunt, Marie Freeman and many loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton on Wednesday evening, August 14, 2013 at 6:00 PM with Dr. Keith Stephenson and Brandon Wood officiating. Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center immediately after the service. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Calvary Baptist Church in Rutherfordton. Other times the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to Second Baptist Church, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or Rutherford Life Services Inc., 230 Fairground Road, Spindale, NC 28160. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.