Lanny Ferguson
In God’s perfect timing, Lanny Joe Ferguson was called home to be with His Lord and Savior on June 12, 2025.
Born on Oct. 23, 1934, in Siloam Springs, Ar., he grew up in Memphis. While in school there, he met an attractive cheerleader, Virginia Nell Evans, who became the true love of his life. This September, they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary.
After graduating from Memphis State University, Joe worked with the American Red Cross, establishing hurricane relief supply chains for disaster areas along the Gulf Coast. In 1963, he was transferred to Chattanooga and began what would be his 50-year manufacturing career at Chattanooga Glass. He became president of Burner Systems International, at that time the world’s largest original equipment manufacturer of gas burner tubes. He later formed and became president of Advanced Vehicle Systems which, with support from CARTA and several community leaders, manufactured the electric shuttle buses used in downtown Chattanooga and communities around the United States. In 2003, then-Mayor Bob Corker named Joe to head up the Enterprise Center.
But perhaps his most fulfilling role in business was working with the talented and innovative team at the Electric Power Board where he served on the board of directors for 28 years, with 20 of those as chairman. During this time, EPB pioneered a fiber optic network that allowed Chattanooga to be the first city in the world to deliver gigabit speed to every home and business in our area. He also worked with Congressman Chuck Fleischmann to engage Oak Ridge National Laboratories to utilize Chattanooga as a living laboratory for testing smart grid technologies. He was named Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year in 2018, and in 2019, then-Mayor Jim Coppinger proclaimed Friday, July 19, as “Joe Ferguson Day.”
Joe’s civic and community involvement include: Chairman of the Board of Chattanooga Manufacturers Association; Volunteer in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science; Chairman of UTC’s College Advisory Board; Member of Chattanooga State’s Foundation Board; Member of the Downtown Rotary Club; Elder at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Joe poured 120% effort into everything he did, and he inspired those around him to do the same. He loved spending family time at the lake, in the garden, and fishing in his boat. He was known as a man of honor and integrity. He loved his Lord, his family, and his country.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; Son, Scott (Margaret); Daughter, Lisa Lynn (Nick); Grandson, Michael (Angela); Granddaughter, Meg Rogers (Matt); Great-grandchildren Torin and Rosalee Rogers.
The family would like to give special thanks to the outstanding staff of Alexian Healthcare for their extraordinary care.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church with Dr. Joey Sherrard, Dr. William Dudley, and Rev. Margaret Ferguson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd, Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377 or Chattanooga State Helping Hands Fund, 4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37406.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com