Earl W. Ferguson, 65

OAK ORCHARD - Earl W. Ferguson, age 65, of Oak Orchard, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009. He was born on Oct. 7, 1943, and began school in Georgetown. Earl was president of his senior class at De La Warr High School where he graduated in 1961. He then studied at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., where he played on their USAA Championship Soccer Team. After graduation in 1965, Earl served with the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in VietNam. He then studied Communications, including film-making and TV production, at the University of Delaware, where he met Ann Rosati. Earl was a charter member of the American Legion, Oak Orchard Riverdale Post 28 and a long time member of the Indian River Yacht Club. Acoustic guitar was Earl's instrument of choice. His Grandpop Ferguson was the inspiration for his love of the five-string banjo. Earl could pick out almost any tune, and enjoyed playing with many musician friends, as well as attending a variety of concerts. He especially enjoyed accompanying his father, John P. Ferguson, who was well known for such songs as "Fifty Cents" and "Tattooed Lady." Earl loved nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed walking as well as watching wildlife- whether it was ducks on Indian River, birds at his feeders, or elk in the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed traveling and visiting friends. Earl, a kind and gentle person, always had a smile for everyone, and never missed an opportunity to pet a dog. Earl is the son of the late Colonel John P. Ferguson and Marie Boswell Ferguson. He is survived by his brother, John P. Ferguson Jr; niece, Shannon Ferguson; nephew, John P. Ferguson III; aunt, Jean Giles; loving friend, Ann Rosati, as well as a large collection of friends. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21st at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Rd, Millsboro, where a Celebration of Earl's life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be on Friday, May 22nd at 1 p.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Earl's memory to, Dry Dock, P.O. Box 562, Nassau, DE 19969.