Gayle Ferguson

Gayle Ferguson was an exceptional father and husband. He was born in North Carolina and raised in Maryville, Tennessee. After high school, he struggled with purpose and academics and had to leave Maryville College early as his love of playing basketball benched his studies. He joined the Air Force and, as an airman, met and married the love of his life, Juanita Harrelson. They went on to have 2 sons and a daughter together. All his life, he loved basketball and baseball and played in college and the military until he started coaching.

After his time in the service, with his wife as inspiration, he went back to school and earned a bachelor's degree in education and eventually a master's degree. Over his career, he taught at schools across the globe, including Guam, Florida, Turkey, Spain, Korea, and Japan. During that time, he had great success as a basketball coach. While coaching in Florida, he was named regional basketball coach of the year, while in Korea, he led his teams to an unprecedented 3 back-to-back Far East Basketball Championships. His ballplayers were so important and a blessing to him as he only wanted the best for them-for them to prosper and grow into fine men (and women) who were aware of God's love for them. Gayle felt so blessed to have lived the life he did-to grow from a struggling young man to someone who experienced and accomplished as much as he did.

Gayle returned to Blount County to retire and volunteered for many years as a Gideon, handing out Bibles to school children and anyone who would take one. He was always generous with his time and energy, and wherever he applied his efforts, he made the world a better place. Gayle said that his greatest wish was for his children and grandchildren to know Christ as their savior and be with him one day in paradise.

Gayle passed on Sunday, November 2, 2025, and will be held dear in the hearts of his family and those who knew and loved him. Gayle is survived by his wife of 61 years Juanita; their three children: Dayna Ferguson (Alicia), Markay Ferguson Jackson (Bobby), and Rodney Ferguson (Sara); grandchildren: Dakota Jackson, Kathryn Jackson Andrews (David), Christina Jackson, Nathan Ferguson, Megan Ferguson, Haven Ferguson, Kayla Ferguson, Galen Ferguson, and Genna Ferguson. He is also survived by many of his former ballplayers. Graveside services will be held at Mount Lebanon Baptist Cemetery on November 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Everett Hills Baptist Church on November 6, 2025, at 5 PM.

In place of sending flowers, donations can be made to Everett Hills Baptist Church Building Fund.