It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William J. "Bill" Ferguson Sr., Age 78. Bill passed away peacefully on August 22, 2019 in his sleep and woke up with his Lord. Bill was born and spent his entire life in Joliet. He was raised on the south side, attended Sacred Heart grade school and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1958. The numerous friendships he made during those years in school lasted a lifetime and still remained close to this day. After high school Bill graduated from Joliet Junior College and from Lewis University in 1966 with a History degree. He received his Masters of Education from Roosevelt University. Bill married Marilyn Meditz in 1962 at Holy Family Church. Together they had four wonderful children William Jr. (Michael) Ferguson, Brian Ferguson, Bruce (Mitchell) Ferguson, and Brad (Tamara) Ferguson. He often referred to his sons as the greatest delight of his life. In 2010, his proudest chapter began. That was becoming 'Papa' to his granddaughters Heather and Brianne whom he loved and often spoke about. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Fergson (nee Meditz) (2017) together they enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage, parents Clarence and Elizabeth Ferguson, his aunt Dorothy and his brother Jack. Bill was a school teacher, like his mother, and then became a principal. He started teaching at Crystal Lawns School in 1961, went to Bromberek School for 5 years, taught and coached at Hufford Jr. High for 3 years, and was Dean of Students and coach at Washington Jr. High School. He then became principal at Raynor Park, Taft, Woodland, and Cunningham Schools. Bill retired from the public schools in 1993. After his public school career came to a close, he became principal at St. Joseph's Catholic School until his final retirement in 2001. Bill continued his love of education years after administering tests to students getting their GED with the Regional Office of Education. Through his career he was able to touch so many lives. From the countless students that passed through his hallways to the wonderful staff and teachers that worked beside him, Bill loved every minute of it. While growing up on the south side, Bill formed a special bond with his cousins, Pat and Dan Sullivan and Mary Beth Balog. After his marriage to Marilyn, they moved to the west side of Joliet eventually settling down for a lifetime on what he called the greatest block in the world. There were no friends on this block, only family. Bill's family cannot express enough thanks and gratitude to this family for the love and care they provided each and every day. Whether it was shoveling snow, having block parties and cookouts, or just sitting in a lawn chair in the driveway talking, Bill loved spending time with each and every one of you. Bill and Marilyn lived life to the fullest in their travels. They were fortunate to visit every state in the USA except Alaska. They traveled with Ron and Rose Spesia to several states along with Europe, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand. They also traveled to Ireland and many places within the USA with Lloyd and Mary Jane Carlson. In 1998 Bill and Marilyn bought their winter home in Fort Myers Beach. There they met some of the nicest people to cross their paths including Pat and Anne Fitzsimons and Jack and Hartese Johnson among others. In 1981, Bill and 13 of his closest comrades started the Irish American Society of County Will. The IASCW was near and dear to him and he served as past president. Bill was very proud of his heritage and never missed an opportunity to promote the club and the Irish. The bonds created with the Malloy's, Brophy's, Mc Hugh's, Slattery's and others were cemented over the years and continued to this day. Bill's family would like to thank all of his doctors that took excellent care of him over the years especially Dr. Degirolami, Dr. Nagarkatte, and Dr. Nemeth. We also give a special thank you to DaVita West Joliet and all who supported him through the years. Bill was one of a kind. He was larger than life with a heart and smile to match. If you ever met Bill you became a friend for life. The lasting impressions he made are what will be missed the most. His ability to tell a joke, and there were many, or his timeless stories made all who heard smile a little larger. He always offered a kind word or a bit of wisdom to all who crossed his path. Bill touched countless lives and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1711 Burry Circle, Crest Hill, Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Irish American Society of County Will Scholarship Fund will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Friday, September 6th from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M.