CHARLES EDWARD FERGUSON was blessed to be born into a close-knit family filled with love, a strong Christian faith and a firm belief in education. He was born in Dallas, Texas on November 15, 1939, the eldest child of the late Rev. Herman and the late Juanita (Rivers) Ferguson. The family grew to include a sister, Alice “Tena” and a brother, Frederick “Freddie.” The phenomenal bond between the siblings ran deep – always caring, supporting and loving each other.
Charles “Charley” grew up in Galveston, Texas and loved the supportive community of Palm Terrace. He developed friendships that lasted throughout his life. Because of his red hair and chocolate skin color, he was nicknamed “Chocky” and “Chocky Red.” Whenever he was called by these names, he immediately knew it was an association from Palm Terrace. He attended George W. Carver Elementary School and Central High School and had very fond memories of his educational training. He loved the Galveston schools and the preparation that he received. Particularly noteworthy to Charley was the influence of late Mr. John C. Clouser, his 7 th & 8 th grade teacher. He credited Mr. Clouser as being a financial wizard who taught his students how to save, plan, and to use money effectively. Additionally, Charley studied music and played the trombone from 5 th grade through high school and was a member of the band. Academically, Charley enjoyed math, science, and geography.
Charley has always loved sports. A natural athlete with a 6’5” stature, he accredited his home state of Texas for providing athletic resources and opportunities for youth in sports. In his senior year of high school, he was All-State in three sports: track, basketball, and football. When he graduated from high school, he had more than 35 basketball scholarships and three football scholarships.
Charley attended Tennessee State University on a football scholarship, majored in Business Administration and received a Bachelor of Science degree. He shared housing and developed life-long friendships with the late Hubbard “Axe” Alexander, the late George Balthazar, and Charles “Delly” Elion. While at Tennessee State, Charley met and married Reta McCullough. From this union two daughters, Gena and Kimberly, were born. In the spring of 1960, Charley became a member of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He had fond memories serving as Dean of Pledgees. Over the years he took delight in connecting with fraternity brothers such as Amos Otis and Rev. Gerald Durley and others from across the country.
According to Charley, football gave him opportunities that would not otherwise have been possible. Football also expanded his world and gave him the means of being able to reach others. Upon graduation, he began his professional football career with the Cleveland Browns. In 1962, Charley was traded to the Minnesota Vikings Football Team. There he developed a special bond with teammate Robert Reed. He acquired by the Buffalo Bills in 1963 and concluded a successful nine-year career as a professional football player. In 1964 and 1965, the Bills won two AFL Championship Rings. His bond with fellow Bills players remained throughout the years especially with Booker Edgerson, JD Hill, and Edward Rutkowski.
Everything came together for Charley in Buffalo and he decided to made it his home. He met the love of his life, Janice Y. Porter, they were married in 1979 and blessed with a daughter, Victoria “Vickie.” Affectionally known as “Buff” to his beloved sister Tena, they never allowed a day to go by without speaking to each other on the phone. Charley and his brother Freddie shared a wonderful comradery that included a variety of interests such as sports and cooking. Charley was known for a variety of dishes – especially his succulent barbeque ribs and famous cornbread. He enjoyed entertaining, attending family reunions, TSU Homecomings, and just socializing. He was an excellent dancer who enjoyed imitating disc jockeys. A true highlight for him was his 80th Birthday Caribbean Cruise.
After retiring as an active player, Charley began an administrative career in manufacturing at Harrison Radiator (Delphi Corporation) in Lockport, New York. During this period (1970-2001), he held a variety of positions including Production Supervisor of Manufacturing, and Labor Relations Assistant for Equal Employment Opportunities. He especially enjoyed recruiting high school students for General Motors Institute, and was a mentor to many who now hold prominent positions in the company.
Charley was a member of the First Shiloh Baptist Church where he served with distinction on the Board of Trustees and as president of the Laymen’s League. In his ministry with the Laymen, he instituted an annual culinary expo, known as the “Gourmet Gents” that drew people from throughout the city. He held membership in the Black Chamber of Commerce of WNY, Inc. and when his health permitted he loved to join the BROMEO (Buffalo Retired Old Men Eating Out) Group each Wednesday, with Roger Strother, for in-depth discussions and the development of action plans to address relevant community needs.
Charley was a founding member and first president of “ManUp” (Men Allied for the Need to Understand Prostate Cancer). In partnership with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, this advocacy group went directly into underserved communities to provide awareness of prostate cancer among Black men. Charley along with Gilbert “Gil” Hargrave and a few other men served as spokespersons going into churches, community centers and barbershops to inform and encourage early screening and treatment options. Due to Charley’s leadership, in 2018 “ManUp” presented the Charley Ferguson Community Golf Tournament in his honor.
Charley was a 62-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He truly enjoyed his chapter’s White Jacket Program that honored him and other fraternity brothers with 50-year memberships or more. Additionally, through the Kappa Alpha Psi Buffalo Alumni Chapter, Charley worked closely with John A. Johnson and Andrew “Andy” Johnson to foster the outreach of various initiatives and community activities. Over a period of many years, Charley facilitated Buffalo Bills Alumni donations for the Kappa scholarship program and was instrumental in establishing an endowment fund. He gave countless hours of his time to help others.
Charley was a very active member of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, Inc. serving as treasurer for many years. He organized the Annual Buffalo Bills Alumni Weekend, an on-going event that not only raises funds for the community but provides a reunion opportunity for former Bills. An active fundraiser, he was most proud of the fact that, over the last twenty years, the Bills Alumni Foundation, Inc. raised and donated more than $2.6 million dollars to local charities.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements Charley received several awards including The Ralph C. Wilson Distinguished Service Award from the Bills Quarterback Club, the Black Achievers In Industry Award, and First Shiloh Baptist Church Man of the Year Award. In 2016, Charles and Janice received the distinguished Buffalo Urban League Family Life Award. The following year they received the prestigious 2017 National Federation For Just Communities of WNY, Inc. Citation Award in recognition of outstanding leadership and devoted service to the community.
Charley’s recognitions continued. In Texas, he received the Presidential Award from the Old Central Cultural Center, Inc. of Galveston. Charley was also the first Galvestonian to play professional football and he is proudly displayed on the outside wall of the African American Museum in Galveston. In 2015, Charley and his brother Freddie were inducted into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Hall of Fame.
Charley’s life-long love of sports expanded to include golf and skiing. He was an active member of the Golden Tee Golf Club and enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach and competing in as many tournaments as possible, often bringing home longest drive awards. Charley joined the Hot Ice Ski Club – a special time shared with his daughter, Vickie, as they learned to ski and travel together.
Eight years ago, Charley suffered a stroke on his right side which affected his mobility and led him to being wheelchair bound. He endured years of rehabilitation and therapies. Significant medical care and encouragement was provided by Ronald Jackson, Sydney Brown, Bernie Hudson, Alana Collins and the Schofield Adult Health Care Program. During this entire period, Charley never complained but always looked for ways to get better and to do better. Beginning in 2022, Charley’s prostate issues and infections worsened leading to a four month hospital stay. On February 14, 2023, with his wife and daughter, Vickie, by his side, God healed Charley’s body by calling him to his heavenly home. He fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. Now there is in store for Charley a crown of righteousness. (2 Timothy 4: 7-8).
Cherishing his legacy and memory are his devoted his wife of 43 years Janice; loving daughter: Victoria (Roberto) Ferguson-Young; grandsons: Roberto Jr. and Khari Young of Atlanta, Georgia. Caring daughters: Gena and Kimberly Ferguson; granddaughter: Ashley Orr; grandson: Justin Ferguson and great grandsons: Kaden Jelks and Kamden Orr all of St. Louis Missouri. Beloved Sister: Alice Jackson of Sacramento, California; Faithful Brother: Frederick (Linda) Ferguson of Galveston, Texas; nephews: Frederick (Tiffany) Jackson of Sacramento, California, Ian Ferguson of Middleton, Connecticut, Eric and Todd Sutton of Buffalo, New York, William Jr. (Lisa) Sutton of Savannah, Georgia, Mark (Kathy) Porter of Queen Creek, Arizona; and special cousins: the Long Family of Texas City, Texas and Doris Barber of Inglewood, California; and a host of loving relatives and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, 6 PM - 9 PM at First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine Street, where the family will receive friends on Saturday, February 25, 2023, 10 AM. Home Going Services to follow at 11 AM. Entombment in Serenity Mausoleum, Forest Lawn Cemetery.
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