Cullen Thomas Ferguson

Cullen Thomas Ferguson, loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, and acclaimed TV journalist, passed away on October 11, 2025, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. He was 82.

Before Cullen retired to his beloved Gather ‘Round home nestled among the cloud-kissed Appalachian Mountains in Black Mountain, N.C., Cullen enjoyed a distinguished, 36-year career as a reporter and anchor at WSOC-TV in Charlotte. He became a household name fighting for the community as a consumer advocate on “Action 9,” where he helped countless viewers, and as an investigative reporter. Cullen also delighted his audience with his booming voice and quirky wit on gardening segments and with offbeat stories that would uplift every heart even on grim news days. Cullen ultimately became one of the most highly rated local morning and noon anchors before retiring in 2005.

Despite keeping incredibly challenging hours—his days as a morning anchor kicked off around 2 AM—Cullen was unwavering in his commitment to his family, ensuring he joined his wife and children at the dinner table every evening. Cullen’s epic road trips in an old blue Econoline van driving his family from Charlotte west to the Grand Canyon and north to Nova Scotia and beyond will live on in good-natured infamy! And his family will cherish memories of their many vacations along the wide sandy shores of North Litchfield Beach, S.C. In their golden years, Cullen and wife, Gay, also took many memorable international trips.

Cullen’s death from pulmonary fibrosis left a more than six-foot-tall void in the hearts of his family and friends. For the last decade of his life, Cullen faced numerous health challenges with remarkable optimism and vigor. Ever the selfless advocate, he was more concerned with the well-being of his family and the wider world than he was with his own struggles. While he battled his ultimate health challenges with characteristic tenacity, Cullen’s rapid illness progression during his last days caught family and friends by surprise.

Cullen spent his final hours wrapped in the love of his devoted wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn “Gay” Ferguson, and his grateful children, Michelle, Doug, and Bo. He also was buoyed by loving phone calls from his grandchildren, Patrick and Grace Ferguson, daughter-in-law Michelle “Shelly” Ferguson, and son-in-law, Gary “Chip” Howard. He is survived by sister, Judy Smith, and many loving nieces and nephews and other extended family members, who — along with his Black Mountain Presbyterian pastors and universe of friends — lifted up Cullen when he needed them most. He was predeceased by sisters Carla Howard and Gloria Kuczminski.

Cullen’s memory will endure as a selfless man who used his melodious voice to champion others and whose love and humor continue to be a light for those he leaves behind. He was a man of faith whose baritone singing voice will echo for years in the sanctuary of his church and in the hearts of all who knew him.

The details of Cullen’s service at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and arrangements by his family and Groce Funeral Home will be announced soon. Cullen regularly volunteered at the Kiwanis Thrift Shop in Black Mountain, so bring your saleable items there, and tell them Cullen sent you. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cullen’s memory may be made to Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.