Wayne, 78, was born in Baltimore, Md., where he spent his childhood and early adult years. He would always joke that his mom arranged for him to be born on 1-2-3-4-5 (12/3/45) so that his birthday would be easy for him to remember. He was the baby of the family and proud of the fact that he enjoyed some of the benefits of being spoiled a bit as the baby boy with older sisters.
 Wayne graduated from Dundalk High School in 1963, went on to attend Essex Community College where he studied business. He served in the Air Force Reserves while beginning his career at Eastern Stainless in the mailroom. This job gave him the opportunity to get to know everyone as he delivered their mail. They quickly saw his talent for sales and pulled him into various roles over a number of years.
 When Wayne relocated to the Cincinnati area, he embraced the Reds and Bengals as his teams, holding season tickets for over 40 years. In 1982, he took a bold step and founded his own business, Aerospace Alloys/Ferguson Metals, using funds partly from the sale of his beloved 1966 Corvette. Wayne led the company for 34 years until his retirement in 2006, priding himself not only on its growth but also on the relationships and opportunities he fostered among his employees, many of whom became his close friends.
 Wayne’s success allowed him to give back, which he did in many ways. He formed the H. Wayne Ferguson Family Foundation which focused its giving in support of the arts and education. It gave him no greater joy than to give others the opportunity to succeed in life, particularly when they may not have otherwise been given that opportunity.
 Those close to Wayne know that his passion for his business, albeit an important part of his life, paled in comparison to his love for his family, friends and his amazing zeal for living life to its fullest. He threw the best parties, planned the best vacations and he had more fun than anyone in the process. Sharing his experiences with others brought him great joy. Whether it involved introducing them to the arts and theater, the beach and SCUBA diving, music and dancing, or his legendary Bengals tailgates, he found so much satisfaction in bringing happiness to others. His stories from traveling around the world were almost unbelievable, but 100% true.
 Wayne’s philosophy was simple yet profound: “Be kind, live life to the fullest, and make a positive impact on everyone you meet.” His ability to fully immerse himself in each moment served as an inspiration to all who crossed his path.
 He is survived by his wife, Pamela Wiedeman; daughter, Meghan Ferguson; stepson, Brandon Wiedeman; two stepdaughters, Stephanie Sparto, Brit­tany (David) Oettel; two sisters, Lorraine Meusel, Sue Bearry; 10 grandchildren, Sierra Ferguson, Serenity Ferguson, Jona Hopson, Ella Oettel, Ezra Oettel, Nora Wiedeman, Caroline Wiedeman, Damon Miller, Quinci Miller, and Jake Burnside.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Gertrude Ferguson; son, Adam Wayne Ferguson; two sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Orem, Nancy Ferguson; and three brothers-in-law, William Meusel, William Bearry, Victor Orem; and his best friend, Raymond Miranda.
 Family and friends will be received on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1 p.m.
 A private burial will follow in Greendale Ceme­tery, Greendale, Ind.
 In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contribu­tions be made to Community Blessing Boxes of Southeastern Indiana.
 Visit us at www.fitchdenney.com.