William Byron Ferguson

William Byron Ferguson, 95, of Spartanburg, died Sunday, June 11, 2023. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was the son of the late William and Alice Sullivan Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was a graduate of the University of Florida in 1950 and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He furthered his education completing several hours toward a Master’s degree in Business.

After college Mr. Ferguson enlisted in the Air Force as a commissioned officer. During the Korean conflict, he was part of a stateside unit that transferred high altitude surveillance photos onto 3D copper plates. The unit helped to interpret important structures on the plates, which were used to determine civilian areas versus high value military targets.

After the military, Mr. Ferguson was employed by Sears Roebuck & Company, moving often to assist in the opening of local stores. After Sears, he settled in Spartanburg, built an office building on North Liberty Street and managed the Snelling and Snelling Staffing Agency franchise. He went on to open Service Office Equipment Company on the Asheville Highway, which thrived until he sold the business, just before the big box office supply stores began to open.

Bill was a long-time member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent. He was a member of the Spartanburg Civitan Club for over 50 years, serving in numerous positions including president of the club more than once. In the past, he was on the board of Young Life, a supporter of the Spartanburg Humane Society, and active in the United Way,

Bill loved to travel and was an avid fisherman, often bringing back salmon and halibut from Alaska for friends and family. Although he loved visiting Alaska, he was most content spending time at his beloved Lake Summit.

Mr. Ferguson is survived by his wife, Sandra Branz Ferguson, of the home; one daughter, Rev’d Leslie Ferguson Horvath and her husband, Dr. Gary Horvath, of Greer; two sons, David Frederick Ferguson and Robert William Ferguson, both of Florida; one granddaughter, Mary Rebecca Horvath of Spartanburg; a nephew, Bill Ferguson and his wife, Pamela, of Jacksonville, Florida; a brother in-law, Peter Fenn and his wife, Carol, of Moore, SC; one stepdaughter, Lyssa Guyne and her husband, Jeff; two stepsons, Michael Branz and his wife, April, and Stephen Branz; and numerous step grandchildren.

Mr. Ferguson was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Fenn Ferguson; his brother Hugh Ferguson; and his stepdaughter, Terri Branz Pulley.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at White Oak at North Grove Skilled Nursing for their diligent and special care.

A service of resurrection and burial will be held at 4pm, Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent conducted by the Rev’d Ned Morris, the Rev’d Paula Griffin, and the Rev’d Dr. Clay Turner, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Civitan International World Headquarters, P O Box 382857, Birmingham, Alabama, 35238, to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303, or to the Church of the Advent, 141 Advent St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.