WINNSBORO – Ernest Pendleton Ferguson Jr., age 92, of Winnsboro passed away on Sept. 10, 2016. He was born April 25, 1924 in Richmond, Va. and was graduated from Mt. Zion Institute in Winnsboro where he was editor of the first yearbook, The Tusitala. During WWII he entered the U.S. Navy officers training program receiving his instruction at The University of Virginia and Cornell. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served from 1943 through the end of the war supporting the Invasion force in the South Pacific aboard Submarine Chasers. After the war he completed his college degree at Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Va. Upon graduation he attended photography school in Baltimore, Md.
He started his own business, Photo Arts, Inc., in Winnsboro and has documented the history of South Carolina through photographs and post cards for over 70 years. His photography has been featured in both local and national publications and television features. In addition to his passion for photography, he was an avid gardener.
He was an active member of the community. As a loyal member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, he served terms on the Vestry and as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, lay reader, chairman of men’s prayer breakfast and the choir. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Board of Richard Winn Academy, a charter member of both the Winnsboro Cotillion and Fairfield Country Club and member of the General John Bratton Camp of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.
He was predeceased by his parents Ernest Pendleton and Evelyn Gantt Ferguson and his brother Richard Ferguson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Betty McCrorey Ferguson, his daughter Louise Ferguson Deahl (Eric) of Lexington and his son Ernest Pendleton Ferguson III (Claire) of Daleville, Va. Also, granddaughters Erica Deahl of Boston, Mass., Emily Deahl of Charleston and brother Joseph Gantt Ferguson (Sarah) of Point Clear, Ala.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at 3 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Winnsboro, followed by a reception at the Ferguson home. The service will be preceded by a private burial. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pope Funeral Home in Winnsboro.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 301 West Liberty Street, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180 and Richard Winn Academy, P.O Box 390, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Ferguson family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Ferguson family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
