William "Bill" Joseph Ferguson

William "Bill" Joseph Ferguson, 72, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026.

Born to Francis “Red” and Rita (Fournier) Ferguson on November 13, 1953, eight minutes after twin brother Dave, Bill grew up in the Old South End of Toledo. Bill lived a life rooted in love for his family, a belief in education, and a cheerful and curious disposition.

For 43 years, he shared a loving partnership with his wife, Sharon. Together they enjoyed opening their home and pool, known as Camp Fergie, to friends and family. A pot of coffee was always brewing in their kitchen. They often traveled together, especially to Mexico, Florida, New York City, and the Southwest.

Pat, Mary, Dave, Tom, Steve, and Pete were Bill’s siblings by birth, but friends by choice. The seven siblings hold memories that created strong and everlasting bonds.

Nothing brought Bill more joy than being Papa to Lily. He was her biggest champion, storytelling partner, and safe harbor. Their time together was filled with laughter—including a cherished inside joke about ‘slow hamburgers.’ Lily was the light of his later years.

A graduate of Libbey High School, Bill earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from the University of Toledo.

Bill began his working life as a caddy, bartender, and waiter. In his 25-year career at Jeep, he held roles on the production line, in education and training, and as a chemist. Bill received Chrysler’s MARSHALL Award, recognizing his efforts in achieving superior hallmarks in advancing lifelong learning. A proud member of UAW Local 12, Bill advocated for fair wages and safe working condition. Bill served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Toledo in the 1990s. After retiring from Jeep, he worked at the Toledo Museum of Art, the Huntington Center, in property management, and taught GED classes through Penta Career Center.

A man of many interests, Bill embraced everything from tennis, softball, salsa and line dancing, to piano, stained and blown glass classes, karate, and ice skating. He enjoyed reading, playing Scrabble, completing crossword puzzles, playing cards, and bowling. Many enjoyed the tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers grown in his garden and he was known for making delicious Caesar salads with homemade dressing. Bill was a fervent fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, daughter Shelly McCoy Grissom, grandchild Lily Grissom, sister Mary Woodward, twin brother Dave, brother Tom (Song), brother Pete (Julie), and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Rita Ferguson, mother-in-law Lillian Coe, brothers Pat and Steve Ferguson, brother-in-law Denny Woodward, sister-in-law Joanne Speegle, and several extended family members.

Our family extends heartfelt appreciation to Bill’s cousin, Sister Nancy Ferguson, OSF, the staff of Rosary Care Center, the hospice staff, and the dear family and friends who provided him with compassionate, loving care.

Bill will be remembered for his curiosity, generosity, humor, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 27, 2026, at Gesu Catholic Church, 2409 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43607. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Senior Centers, Inc., 2308 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Senior Centers, Inc., at www.seniorcentersinc.org