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Billy Earl Ferguson died surrounded by his loved ones at 2 p.m. on November 28 at Providence Hospital in Hood River.
Billy was born April 15, 1935 in Virden, Illinois to Ernest and Mary Ferguson. He was the eldest of 13 children.
In 1956, he married Patricia Gimlin, and they shared 57 wonderful years together.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Ferguson; his parents, Earnest and Mary Ferguson; his brothers, Earnest Ferguson, Carl Ferguson and Johnny Ferguson; his sister, Wendy Cox; his grandson, Anthony Lance Kuenzi; and his great granddaughter, Graylee Kuenzi.
He is survived by his children, Timothy and Patricia Ferguson of The Dalles, Ore.; Patricia and Steven Barnes of Cascade Locks, Ore.; Toby and Rose Ferguson of Cascade Locks, Ore.; Tony and Billie Wanda Kuenzi of Salem, Ore.; and Jacob and Katie Sobelman of Marble, North Carolina.
Billy is also survived by his 11 grand sons, Bobby and David Cavazos; Logan, Cody and Skyler Barnes; Cameron and Alec Ferguson; Andrew and Brandon Kuenzi; and Jacob and Elijah Sobelman.
His three great grandchildren, Lyric Kasprzyck, Landon and Maevin Kuenzi also survive.
Billy moved his family to The Dalles in 1963. He worked on The Dalles Dam and joined the Local Operators and Engineers 701 Union and always loved operating heavy construction equipment.
His favorite job was running a sideboom. He worked for Loy Clark Pipeline from 1974, all the way up until cancer forced him into retirement in 1988.
Billy was a man who loved nature, and he counted camping and fishing among his favorite hobbies.
He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968, and remained a faithful, active member who was well loved by his congregation.
Billy’s kindness, generosity and humble disposition will be truly missed by all who knew him.
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