Johnny Lee Ferry, 80, peacefully passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015 at home surrounded by his family.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Delores “Jeanne” (Dufford) Ferry; his daughter, Janice Ferry and grandchildren Brianne, William and Mathew; his son John David Ferry and grandchildren Rachel, Amy and Benjamin; his daughter Jill Ferry-Williams and grandchild Ashley; along with their spouses and great grandchildren; his sister Mildred O’Rear; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of John and Louise Ferry, Johnny enjoyed telling stories of his early years as a child; quite mischievous, and somewhat Tom Sawyer-esque, making his own fun during the Great Depression. As he grew older Johnny worked odd jobs during the summer to help his momma with bills and extra things needed for school.
Johnny and Jeanne became high school sweethearts and were married in 1953. After graduating from Northeastern State, he took a job with Western Electric which took them all over the United States. They even received a trophy at their high school reunion for having lived in the most places. In 1962, Johnny learned of a job opening in Houston, Texas that he knew would be an opportunity of a lifetime; the Space Program. When asked if he knew anything about computers, he said, “of course!”, then proceeded to check out all books he could find on computers, studying on the flight down and in the hotel room, prior to his interview the next day. He was hired on the spot. It was the most exciting time in the world, and he was a part of it!
During his many years with the Space Program, Johnny was also an active member of the OU Sooners Booster Club working closely with then OU coach Barry Switzer as a talent scout, visiting high school football games, and running tapes to Norman for Barry to view. It wasn’t unusual for him to watch one of his daughters dance in the drill team half time, then hop a plane to get film to Mr. Switzer by Friday evening.
Johnny also pursued his passion for music. A self taught guitar player, he enjoyed playing in his bands at clubs, company picnics, and was even invited by Waylon Jennings to join him on his tour bus and ’hit a few cities’. One of his biggest regrets was not taking Waylon up on the offer, although they did sit on the bus and pick guitars for a few hours before he had to leave. In addition to playing guitar, Johnny also enjoyed building houses. Forever mindful of the difficulties of growing up poor, Johnny was a wonderful provider for his family. Rental properties, Johnny’s Steakhouse (made from an old Ellington Field army barrack), car washes, even working with Merrill Lynch as a stock broker.
After retiring, Johnny still enjoyed building rental properties, as well as watching his beloved OU Sooners. An avid fan, you could find him at most home games, or in front of the TV during college game days. Johnny has been recognized with plaques and awards throughout his career for his many contributions to the Space Program.
Johnny’s sense of humor, his laughter, his support and guidance, and his “true stories”, are so fondly missed by family and friends. Services will be held Friday, January 16, 2015, 12:30pm at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, Tx
[S15] Internet.
Leonard LeRoy Dufford: pokeyokie1@aol.com
1935 - 2015 (79 years)
. Janice Ann FERRY, b. 28 Aug 1957 (Age 66 years)
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