Michael Vernon Ferguson, affectionately also known as “Ferg,” “Pops,” “Morfar,” “Grandpapa,” and “Grandpa,” passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 after a brief battle with leukemia.
Born September 24, 1946 in Mentor, Ohio, Mike was a proud graduate of Mentor High School in 1964 where he excelled academically, played basketball, and ran track. After graduating high school, he started work at Ohio Bell. During the Vietnam War, Mike enlisted with the United States Army and served from 1966-1968, attaining the rank of Specialist E-5 while serving in Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. Upon his honorable discharge, Mike returned to Ohio Bell, and started working in the then-nascent computer industry. Mike spent the rest of his career working on mainframe systems for larger businesses and banks, and enjoyed playing in softball leagues with his co-workers. After retiring in 2010, Mike moved to the Villages to enjoy warmer weather and play plenty of golf. He also discovered a renewed interest in the American Legion, spending time and volunteering at Veterans Memorial Post 347. It was at the post where Mike met Ruth Sovern, his partner for over 9 years. Mike loved Ruth and they were a great team; they enjoyed traveling and doing casino trips together when not working at the Post.
A lifelong fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Indians, Mike loved watching, playing, and, later, coaching sports. He would rarely leave the house without wearing at least one article of clothing displaying his fandom. During the summers he would try to find Herb Score’s voice calling the evening’s Tribe game on the car radio. Mike was able to attend two Ohio State national championship games (one good outcome, one not so much), two amazing gifts from his loving daughter Kim. Mike taught his kids how to play tennis and golf, and coached soccer, baseball, and basketball teams for his sons Michael and Matthew. Despite several knee surgeries which limited his activity, he continued to play golf several times a week. He proudly displayed his four hole-in-one balls at home. Mike loved to go fishing with friends in Lake Erie, and always seemed to have music playing wherever he went. Many cookouts and family gatherings were filled with Motown classics, the Beach Boys and Roy Orbison, among many, many others.
Perhaps the thing Mike was most proud of were his seven beautiful grandchildren, Amalia Ebbesen, Eva Ebbesen, Sofia Ebbesen, Kathryn Ferguson, Patrick Ferguson, Madeleine Ferguson, and Emily Ferguson. Rarely did a conversation go by where he would not mention the achievements or recent successes of one or all of them, or show a recent photo of the kids. He loved a FaceTime call to hear about what was going on with the grandkids. He always made sure to have sugary cereals for the kids when they would visit, and a seemingly endless supply of cheese and peanut butter crackers for golf cart rides in Florida.
Mike is survived by his three children Kim Ebbesen, Michael (Elizabeth) Ferguson, and Matthew (Maiken) Ferguson, his partner Ruth Sovern, sister Darla Mulby, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his mother Lou Eva Mae (Taylor) Ferguson, father Vernon Ferguson, sister Sherilyn Carroscia, and brother Richard Sage.
Friends and loved ones may call on the family on Saturday, November 22, 2025 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Beyers Funeral Home, 134 US-441, Lady Lake, FL 32159. The American Legion Post 347 Honor Guard will perform funeral honors at 1:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to American Legion Veterans Post 347 (https://florida-legion.org/) to support veterans’ causes, the Villages Hospice House (https://cornerstonehospice.org/support-services/hospice-houses/the-villages-hospice-house/) or to a charity of your choosing.