Fredrick Haskell Ferguson, Jr.

RALEIGH - Fredrick Haskell Ferguson, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The eldest son of the late Fred and Vivian Combs Ferguson, he was born on April 4, 1939, in Princeton, WV. Discovery of his talent for music began with piano lessons, then flourished under the tutelage of his high school band director, John William (Billy) Lilly. Fred was taught to play all the instruments and he excelled on drums and trumpet.

Identified as a promising musician, Fred followed in his mentor's footsteps attending Concord College to begin a long career in music. He earned a BS degree in Education from Pembroke State University and an MA Degree in Administration and Supervision from Appalachian State University.

Fred taught music (grades 3-12) in Carroll and Buchanan County Schools, VA. He was a mathematics teacher and band director at Carolina Military Academy in Maxton, NC. He served on the summer faculty of Purdue University. Several school bands were under his baton in Raleigh, NC (Martin, Broughton, Daniels, Frances Lacy, Aycock and Ligon, where he also served as Assistant Principal). In 1978 he became the Cultural Arts Supervisor for Guilford County School System until his retirement in 1994. Fred then pursued his passion for law, attaining his Paralegal Certification from The American Institute for Paralegal Studies and earning his Superior Court Mediation Certification in 1995.

He was a Master Mason and a Shriner, serving as director of the Sudan Temple Shrine Band and playing trumpet in the Beni Kedem Gold Band and the Oasis Temple Shrine Band.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lisa Yow Ferguson; sister-in-law, Cindy Ferguson of Marion, VA; brother-in-law, David Yow and his wife, Lane of Fuquay-Varina, NC; nephews, Craig Ferguson of Richmond, VA; Christopher Yow and his wife, Tiffany of Haw River, NC; and niece, Carole Guttery and her husband, Derek of Wake Forest, NC. Along with several great nieces and nephews, he leaves behind his beloved students, neighbors and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Benjamin Franklin Ferguson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to one of Fred's favorite charities: Shriners Children's Hospital in Greenville, SC; Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, NC; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com