Ralph Lee Ferguson, age 89, of 62 Bethel Circle, Mars Hill, died Friday, December 18, 2015, at Mission Hospital, St. Joseph Campus following a period of declining health.

He was the son of the late Hardy Lee Ferguson and Mary Ann Hickey Ferguson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Reva Ferguson Brown and Marie Allison Davis and brothers , John and Bill Allison.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Eloise Hill Ferguson, daughter Debra Ferguson DeBruhl and husband Bob of Weaverville, son Randall Dean Ferguson and wife Vickie of Mars Hill, three grandchildren, Robert Grey DeBruhl and wife Stephanie of Bryson City, Chelsea Ferguson-DeVern and husband Jeremy of Asheville, and Caleb Gray Ferguson of Mars Hill, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ferguson retired from Square D Company of Asheville having been employed as a skilled machinist. He was also previously employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Motors of Detroit Michigan.

Mr. Ferguson loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and golfing during his retirement years.

He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Mars Hill.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 20, 2015 in the chapel at Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Mars Hill, with the Reverend Eddie Rice officiating.

Interment will follow the funeral service in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Blue Ridge Funeral Service of Mars Hill from 12:00PM to 2:00PM Sunday, December 20, 2015 prior to the funeral.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 4495 US-19 Mars Hill, NC 28754, building and cemetery funds.

Online condolences may be sent to family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org