Dr. David L. Ferguson

August 19, 1949 - July 12, 2019

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Saturday, August 3, 2019, 5:00 pm wake, 5:30 pm service at SECOND CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 12017 Emery Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135

Dr. David L. Ferguson went home to be with the Lord on July 12, 2019.

Four brothers and one sister preceded him in death; Jessie (Joyce) Andrew (Lavenia), Quinton (Deborah) Sylvester (Annette) and Elizabeth Robinson (Willie). He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

David leaves to cherish his memories three brothers: Isaac (Annie), Otto (Mabel) and John (Michelle) three sisters: Thelma Bush (Leslie), Kathern Harris (Garfield) and Patricia Pulliam.

David Lawrence Ferguson was born August 19, 1949 in Pascola, Missouri. He was the eleventh of twelve children born to Otto and Dora Fuller Ferguson. He departed his earthly life on July 12, 2019 at the age of 69 in Port Jefferson, New York. David professed a belief in Christ at an early age and following baptism, he joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Neelyville, Missouri. David was always a compassionate and kind person.

He attended Central Grade School in Portageville, Missouri in grades first through fourth. He moved with his family to Neelyville, Missouri in 1960 and attended Washington Elementary School. David graduated valedictorian from Neelyville High School in 1967. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State, Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1971 with a B.S. degree in mathematics and physics. He received a M.S. Degree in mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, 1975 and earned his PhD. in mathematics and science, University of California, Berkeley, 1980. Dr. David L. Ferguson joined the faculty at Stony Brook University in 1981 and remained there until his death. He held many prestigious positions at Stony Brook and was highly respected by his colleagues.

When I am Gone

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile

Just forget, if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

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Saturday, August 3, 2019, 5:00 pm wake, 5:30 pm service at SECOND CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 12017 Emery Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135

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Dr. David L. Ferguson went home to be with the Lord on July 12, 2019. Four brothers and one sister preceded him in death; Jessie (Joyce) Andrew (Lavenia), Quinton (Deborah) Sylvester (Annette) and Elizabeth Robinson (Willie). He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. David leaves to cherish hisContinue Reading

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I am heartbroken that my friend of over forty years is gone. He is everything that people are saying. He worked on what he believed in his whole life, and will be sorely missed. The world is a sadder place with a giant hole.

I have got the opportunity to work with Dr. Ferguson closely back in 2012 and he also provided a job reference for me when I moved to San Diego. He was dedicated to student success, and always advocated for students from underrepresented backgrounds. I still vividly remember how he took the time to discuss with me on how to design a survey to better capture students' learning needs and their learning experiences. His passion, dedication, and contribution to higher education is deeply appreciated and will be greatly missed. I feel extremely sad and shocked to lose a great mentor, friend, and colleague. My prayers go to Dr. Fugerson's family and friends.

Sharing in your sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful person. His accomplishments clearly speak for themselves, and Stony Brook University is a far better place because of his gentle leadership and mentorship. I thank Almighty God for the opportunity to know Dave and work with him. He will be remembered by so many whose lives he touched for the way he treated others - with kindness, love, support, encouragement. May his memory be eternal.

I went back to grad school in the 90's and Dave was my advisor and I was his TA. When it came time for me to graduate Dave said why leave now and so I didn't. Together we started the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) and 5 years later we came back to the Department of Technology and Society. Once you worked for Dave you never left. He was kind and generous and cared so much about students and people in general. Material things meant nothing to him. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last dime in his wallet. Dave's passing is a huge loss for Stony Brook University but an even greater loss for mankind. Unfortunately people like Dave Ferguson are far too rare.

Dave's passing is a staggering loss for those of us who worked with him to achieve his vision of STEM education for the underserved and marginalized members of society. His was a towering intellect, he was also humble, generous, kind, and unique. Those of us who worked with Dave are better people because of our association with him and the thousands of students who were supported by the programs he created will continue to change the face of STEM. Dave left us way too soon, but his legacy is still being written. Rest in Peace Dave. To his family and close friends, Suzanne and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences on your loss.

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I had the honor and joy to work with Dave for over 25 years. He was an amazing scholar, teacher and advocate for minority students and had an incredible impact on Stony Brook University and across the nation. He is being mourned at Stony Brook and across the country. He will be sorely missed and irreplaceable. Our condolences to his family at this difficult time.

It's so hard to imagine that you're no longer with us. I will never forget the kindness you showed me and your unwavering support. You will never be forgotten.

I had the honor and joy of working with Dave for over 25 years. He was an amazing scholar, teacher and advocate for minority students and had an incredible impact at Stony Brook and across the nation. He is being mourned at Stony Brook and across the country. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family at this difficult time.

It was truly a pleasure to be a friend and collaborator of Dave. He was a wonderful educator, mentor and role model, and overall one of the greatest human being that I have met. He will deeply missed.

Prayers and love to the entire Ferguson family on the passing of Uncle David. May his legacy of compassion, respect and love of learning and education live for generations. Love Clayton, Rhonda and family

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.