It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Patrick Duane Ferguson, age 80, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, on June 8, 2026.

Pat was born on December 8, 1945, in Mena, Arkansas to Clarence and Thelma Ferguson. He was their youngest child with three older sisters: Jeannie, Kay, and Barbara.

Pat graduated from Mena High School in 1963 at the age of 17. He loved the Bearcats and was always proud that he was elected the captain of the football team and was Mr. Mena High School.

Pat served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1966-1972.

He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1981 with a BS degree in Education. He went on to get a master's degree from Georgia State University in Special Education and a Specialist's degree from the University of Georgia in Educational Leadership.

Pat was an educator in Dekalb County, Gwinnett County, and Glynn County, Georgia. He was selected Teacher of the Year from the Give Center in Gwinnett County in 2001. He transitioned into Leadership in 2001 and served as an Assistant Principal at the Give Center as well as at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, GA.

Pat was a creative and adventurous person. He could build anything and was always known as "Mr. Fixit" at home. He shared his talents and his faith through starting a program at Camp Glisson in Dahlonega for youth to come in the summer to work on building projects that helped elderly people in the area. He also led several mission trips to help families in both Mexico and Honduras through his church in Lawrenceville, McKendree United Methodist.

He loved traveling and saw much of the world. Pat always said that the pilgrimage he and Carol made to walk on the Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain was one of the highlights of his life.

Enamored by the lore of the Old West, he loved everything about the history, scenery, and lifestyle of the people of the American West. He visited there as often as he could, especially loving to explore the National Parks.

He loved his favorite dog, Jerry Lee, reading, Arkansas Razorback sports , music of all kinds (especially cowboy songs), gardening and being in nature, cherished friendships and playing poker.

Always a person that people gravitated to, he was successful in both his professional and his personal life. He was married to his wife, Carol Scott Ferguson, for 48 years. Together, they created a home rich in faith, love, and laughter. He is survived by three children: Kris Ferguson (Lily), Leah Ellingsen (Patrick), and Anna Ferguson. He has four grandchildren that he adored: Kate Ellingsen, Jack Ellingsen, Kaiden Ferguson, and Leland Ferguson

His service will be at Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM on St. Simons Island on June 13, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's name can be made to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, to the Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, or to the National Parks Foundation.