Carl (Ray) Woodson Ferguson, 89, of Buena Vista, Virginia has joined his loved ones in heaven.

His passing was peaceful with his family by his side on September 19, 2018.

Parkinson's stole so much from Ray, but not his love for his family, nor his faith in Jesus Christ, from which he gained courage and strength to endure his earthly suffering.

Ray was born in Buena Vista on July 11, 1929 to Mary Elizabeth McCullough Ferguson and Charles Christopher Ferguson Sr. Ray was their 4th child and 2nd son and last surviving member of their family.

He went to serve his country in the U. S. Army in 1951, first in Carthage, NC and then in West Point, NY, where he taught classes. He received accolades for his work and teaching water purification. He returned home in 1953 to marry the love of his life Betty Jane Buchanan. He and Betty made a fairy tale life for themselves and their three daughters, first in Lexington, then in Buena Vista, where they built their home that he loved so dearly.

Ray worked hard all his life as a young husband and father at Bernsons Silk Mill and retired from Hermetite. He loved to tell stories of his work, his and Betty's travels as "band boosters" and his post-retirement jobs at Carpet Outlet, the athletic department at the high school and his long service as Sunday School Superintendent at Stone Church of the Brethren. where he was a member most of his life.

Ray was an amazing man. He was an honorable, loyal, loving husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend with a delightful sense of humor. A day never passed that he did not tell his devoted wife, Betty, that he loved her.

Besides Betty, he is survived by his daughters and their families, Kathy (Dan), Trish (Tommy), and Nita (Frank), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, loving friends and care-givers at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehab that had grown to love him.

A funeral service with full veteran honors will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the Stone Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Vic Norris and the Rev. W. David Bain officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rockbridge Area Hospice and/or the Stone Church of the Brethren.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.