Robert Riley Ferguson, Jr.

Robert Riley Ferguson, Jr. of Siler City died Friday, February 15, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Ferguson was born March 30, 1922 the son of Robert Riley and Ina Bolding Ferguson. "Bobby" was a native of Haywood County but has been a resident and a dairy farmer in Chatham County since 1950 until his retirement in 1987. Prior to farming, he worked as a machinist at the shipyard in Newport News, Virginia and served in the US Air Force. He was a member and past deacon of Hickory Mountain Baptist Church and a charter member of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family, boating, fishing, and helping his neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Georgia; his mother and father; two brothers, Albert and Buford; one sister, Anna Lou Fincher, along with several nieces and nephews. Surviving are his children, Sherry F. Kidd and husband, Billy of Siler City, NC, Michael R. Ferguson and wife, Kaye of Greensboro, NC, Diane F. Aker and husband, Wayne of McLeansville, NC; grandchildren Rob Kidd and wife, Beth, Kelly K. Eldridge and husband, John, Jeff Ferguson, Greg Smith and wife, Amy, Jann S. Oakes and husband, John (Monk); four great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the Smith & Buckner Chapel with Rev. Jim Wall officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Park. The family wishes to express a special thanks to caregivers Ann Brooks and Darleen Koons-Culberson for the constant and superior care over the past two years. Also a special thanks to Dr. James Davis and Liberty Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Caregiver Fund" c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 413 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344. On line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.