Billie Jeane Ferguson's Obituary
Billie Jeane Ferguson was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and died peacefully at home after an extended illness on October 20, 2023.
As a young girl, Billie Jeane began to study voice and her vibrant and beautiful singing opened many doors of opportunity. She was a featured soloist not only in her own church, First Baptist, Ennis, but for many area churches, revivals, camps and conferences across Texas and neighboring states. She recorded an album of classic and contemporary gospel songs on the Salvation Records label in 1976.
She met her husband and the love of her life, Charles, as a teenager in Ennis. They married after high school and before Charles left to serve his country for two years in the Korean War. Charles and Billie Jeane moved from Ennis to Dallas when Charles took a job with Braniff Airlines. Charles possessed a keen, creative mind combined with a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Stepping out on faith, he left Braniff and launched Aircraft Tooling, Incorporated in 1967. Billie Jeane was his partner every step of the way, from humble beginnings in their home garage through years of struggle and years of success, becoming an industry leader in landing gear overhaul and repair. She became the COO of ATI upon Charles’ death in 1999 and together with her sons, Rick and Steve, grew and expanded the business.
Not only was Billie Jeane a loving wife and mother, successful singer and businesswoman – she was always committed to Jesus Christ and His church. She served in the choir, Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School and as a leader with Baptist Women. She was a generous and gracious host, opening her home joyfully for church events and gatherings of all kinds.
She found fulfillment as a benefactor not only to her church, but scores of missionaries, first responders, animal shelters and individuals. She was a beloved friend to many, and as so many have said, truly “one of a kind.” Her humor, honesty, strength and generosity encouraged all who knew her.
Billie Jeane is survived by her sons, Rick Ferguson and his wife Paula, Steve Ferguson and his wife, Beverly, Keith Ferguson and his wife, Jennifer, and daughter Kristi Wilson and her husband, Bret. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tiffany, Holly, Derek, Ian, Mitchell, Michael, Madeleine and Meredith and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte.
Family Visitation will be held on October 30, 2023 at 10 am, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 11 am at First Baptist Church at The Fields, 1401 Carrollton Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75010. A brief internment service will be held at 2:30 pm at Restland in Dallas.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts in honor and memory of Billie Jeane to the Worship Arts Ministry of First Baptist Church at The Fields at the address above.
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