11/06/2025
Herman Lee Ferguson, known as “Buddy,” passed away on November 2, 2025, in
Portsmouth, Virginia, the city where he was born and lived his entire life. Throughout his
83 years, Buddy was a devoted husband and friend who embodied quiet strength and
deep loyalty.
Buddy was born to Mary and Herman A. Ferguson. He served his country in both the
United States Air Force and the Coast Guard services, demonstrating a lifelong
commitment to duty. After his military service, he was a logistics specialist at Norfolk Naval
Shipyard until his retirement in 1997.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years, Cipe Ann Fatherly. During her
long illness, Buddy was a tireless and devoted caretaker, embodying the vows of love and
commitment with constancy. Buddy was a man of faith and an active member of the
Community United Methodist Church.
Buddy had a caring heart and good sense of humor tempering his occasional
stubbornness and made his life an expression of service, kindness, and humility.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him; he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his nieces Nicki Fatherly of Catonsville, Maryland; Sarah Fatherly of
Charlotte, North Carolina; and Catherine Staff of Portsmouth, Virginia and friends Helen
and Steve Achstein, Chesapeake, Virginia.
He will lie by the side of his loving wife at Olive Branch Cemetery. A graveside funeral
service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Olive Branch Cemetery
with Reverend Kirk Culpepper officiating.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate/c
ancer.org).
