Charles Oliver Ferguson entered this world on July 5, 1948, in Kevil, Kentucky to George William Ferguson and Geneva Blanks Ferguson, who both preceded him in death.

Charles was also preceded in death by five brothers: Curtis Ferguson, Lawrence Ferguson, Wallace Ferguson, George Ferguson and William (Bill) Ferguson.

Charles was baptized on December 18,1994 at Ramsey Street Church of Christ in Nashville, TN and continued his Christian journey as a member of King's Lane Church of Christ in Nashville. He was a retired truck driver for Star Trucking Company.

Charles began his formal education at West Paducah Grammer School and graduated from Heath High School also in West Paducah.

After completing high school, Charles was drafted into the United States Army where he completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Polk, Louisiana.  After basic training, he was sent to Vietnam for combat duty.  Charles served his country from 1968 to 1973, being discharged as an E-5 Sergeant.

After being discharged from the Army and living in Dallas, TX, for two years, he later moved to Chicago to live with his sister Irma and her family. While living in Chicago, he was briefly employed at the newly opened Chicago State University and at various other companies. Charles moved back to Paducah and sought employment at the Executive Inn Hotel. After his employment at the Executive Inn ended, he moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan and later took permanent residency in Nashville, TN.

Charles was a recipient of various awards and acknowledgements of his contributions to improve the quality of life for others. He was honored with a United States of America Air Medal for his military service as a member of the 1st Calvary Airmobile Division and a certificate for his combat in Vietnam. He was a certified brake inspector, received a safety award from Shoney's Inc., a 2007 Safe Driver Award for Intermodel Cartage Company, Inc., and a certified fork-lift "in-house" training forklift driver for Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.

Among his many hobbies, Charles loved to work on cars and was known for hoarding old cars and car parts. He was a hard worker and a man who would help his family whenever and however he could.

Charles will be missed by and leaves to cherish his memory his son, El'Londoe Shannon of St. Louis, MO; his daughters, Vanessa K. Ferguson of Nashville, TN, Valerie Crockett and Shalanda Jones both of Murfreesboro, TN, and Dashuna McGee of Paducah, KY; "special" granddaughter, La'Teria Ferguson of Hendersonville, TN, and granddaughter Jomanda Mays of Milwaukee, WI as well as several other grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves to mourn his earthly departure his only brother, Larry Ferguson of Metropolis, Il, and his two sisters, Betty Majors of Paducah, KY and Irma Moody of Chicago, IL; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Pettus Rowland Funeral Home with Brother Mark Rowe officiating. Burial will follow in Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, IL.

Family and Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.