William Ferguson Gerrow

William Ferguson Gerrow III, 77, of Greensboro, NC, passed away on December 23, 2023. He was born on April 12, 1946 in Woodbury, NJ, the son of William F. Jr. and Arline McGee Gerrow who pre-deceased him. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 54 years, children, grandchildren, a sister, Denise Phillips (Jim) of GA, a brother, Philip Gerrow (Diane) of KY, and nieces and nephews.

Bill was the proud father of 3 daughters, Lara Gerrow of the home, Ashley Allred (Eric) of Wake Forest, NC, and Mandi Clift (Jon) of Pleasant Garden, NC. Besides his girls, nothing gave him greater pleasure than being with his four grandchildren, Greyson, Beckett, and Brinley Allred and Banks Clift.

Carolyn and Bill met at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, where Bill was active in Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, Bill served as an Ensign in the US Navy before beginning a vital part of his career with Burlington Industries. He later branched out to start his own business, Performance Textiles, Inc. where numerous textile products were developed and patented. These specialty highly technical fabrics are still being produced and sold to a worldwide market.

Bill had many hobbies including collecting model trains, antique cars, and more recently, antique tractors as well as a passion for animals, nature and plants. All of his “toys” have found a happy home at Bill’s happy place, Ferguson Farm at Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke, VA where he will be laid to rest.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 2 pm at Community in Christ Church in Greensboro, NC. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount – Smith Mountain Lake.