It is with great sadness we announce the death of Gary Edward Ferguson of Nags Head, North Carolina. Gary passed away on December 12, 2024 after sustaining a severe brain injury. Gary was born on June 23,1950 in Wilmington, Delaware, to Elizabeth Anne and Cecil Ferguson, Jr. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years in Vietnam. Upon his return, Gary attended Salisbury University and the University of Tennessee, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Geography and pursuing a career in city planning.
Gary held numerous positions, most notably, Gary joined the Town of Nags Head a planning Director n 1989 and served until 2002. During his term the Town moved forward with the protection of Nags Head Woods and other important initiatives. Upon leaving Nags Head Gary served as Planning Director for Currituck County and the Towns of Oak Island NC and Carolina Beach.
In 1977 Gary married Sandra Jones of Snow Hill, Maryland. “Sandy” passed away in 2016 due to cancer. After Gary retired in he and Sandy remained in Nags Head. Gary was also predeceased by his older brother, Robert Ferguson, of Long Island, New York. Gary is survived by his sister, Jane E. Ferguson of Portland, Oregon, his nephew, Bennett Shane, and Sister-in-Law, Dorothy Ferguson, as well as Sandy’s brother Bill Jones, and nieces, Jennifer and Heather.
Gary was an organ donor and we are comforted by the fact that his life will help sustain the lives of others into the future. Gary led a very active life and had many friends. After the family moved from Wilmington to Ocean City, Maryland, Gary took up surfing thanks to a supportive community of friends. He became a competitive surfer. He and Sandy traveled widely together over the years, but they loved living in Nags Head. They enjoyed the beach, riding bikes, cooking, and visiting with friends. Gary loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar. After his retirement, Gary volunteered as a member of the Town of Nags Head Planning Board.
Services will be held at The Beachside Bistro, located in The Sea Ranch Resort on January 11, 202 from 2-4 pm., located at 1731 N Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.
No donations please, unless you would like to make a donation to the animal shelter of Nags Head. Gary loved dogs and volunteered at the shelter visiting and walking dogs. Gary’s last dog, Otis, a golden retriever, was a rescue from this shelter. Otis passed away from cancer in 2022.