Larry Eugene Ferguson's Obituary
Larry Eugene Ferguson, 76, of Longview peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2024. He was born May 31, 1947, to Lawson and Wilma Ferguson and grew up in Ore City. After graduating from Ore City High School and working at Eastman, Larry attended East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce) where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and received a Bachelor of Science in 1974. Later, he earned a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980 and was an “Alumni by Choice” at Baylor University. He married Meloney Williams on April 10, 1976, and they were married for 47 wonderful years.
A lifelong educator and entrepreneur, Larry coached thousands of students at Longview ISD and Spring Hill ISD as a football coach and later at Kilgore ISD as a PE coach. He also owned several businesses, including VR Computer Systems that installed many school districts’ first computer systems in the 1980s and 90s.
Larry was a proud East Texan. As a member of the Fergusons who have been in East Texas since the 1850s, Larry felt the call to return to his roots after retiring from teaching. He and Meloney built a longhorn cattle ranch in Upshur County. Being a cowboy brought him so much joy, and he loved hosting friends and family at the ranch to share in his love of nature and agriculture.
Larry worked tirelessly to serve his community. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Longview where he was a deacon and often played electric guitar in the worship band. He, along with his wife Meloney, were Master Gardeners of Gregg County, and they started the First Baptist Church Community Garden to grow healthy food for widows and those in need. He was the past Master of Longview #404 A.F. & A.M. Grand Lodge of Texas. He was active in the Longview York Rite and was a Knight Templar.
Larry will always be remembered for his laughter, joy of life, and eternal optimism. He was known for never meeting a stranger, but only a friend he had not met.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Meloney Ferguson, son Lance (wife Cara) Ferguson of Katy, son Todd (wife Emma) Ferguson of Humble, four grandchildren—Lily Ferguson, Luke Ferguson, Eliza Ferguson, and Henry Ferguson— siblings Vida (husband Richard) Craft, Marilyn Raibourn, and Norman Ferguson, and sister-in-law Cynthia Williams, along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
A funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 21 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church Longview with a graveside service to follow at Ore City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Longview Community Garden at 209 E. South Street, Longview, TX 75601.
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