Will was born on March 2, 1985 in Shelby, NC.  He attended Elizabeth Elementary, Crest Middle, and Crest High Schools where he excelled in academics, soccer, basketball, baseball, and making many friends.  Wherever Will was, laughter was sure to follow.  Although he was a fierce competitor in all he did, animals especially seemed to sense Will’s gentle spirit and were drawn to him.  Will was a passionate outdoorsman and an avid fan of UNC Athletics.  When the Tar Heels were playing, Will was sure to be found remote control in hand, wearing his UNC jersey, ready to cheer the “Heels” on to victory!

Will is survived by his parents, Craig Ferree and his wife Karen, and his mother Jean Lovelace (formerly Ferree/Noblitt), his brother Cory Ferree, his sister, Nicole Ferree, his grandparents, Asa Lovelace, Jack “Snort” Ferree, and Marilyn Ferree, all of Shelby.  Will is also survived by his stepbrothers, Clay Graham of Shelby, and Jake Graham of Boone, uncles Duane Ferree and wife Tammy of Vale, Bryan Ferree of Houston, TX, Mark Lovelace of Shelby, and his aunt, Audrey Emerson, also of Shelby.  He is also survived by his cousins, Heather Price and her husband Harley of Kings Mountain, Zack Lovelace and Noah Lovelace, both of Shelby, Marcus Ferree of Palacios, TX, Ciara Grayson of Shelby, and Brooke Ferree of Houston, TX.  In addition to his family, Will is survived by his girlfriend, Meggie McCraw and a treasured family friend, Renee Monroe.

Will was preceded in death by his grandmother, Geraldine Blanton Lovelace, and his cousin Josh Ferree.

Will was dearly loved by his family and friends who share many happy memories of him.  We were blessed to have had him for the short time that we did.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Eastside Baptist Church.    Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.  The Rev. Leland Kerr and Mr. David Blanton will be officiating.

Memorials may be sent to the Josh Ferree Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Cleveland Community College, 137 S Post Road, Shelby, NC 28150, Cleveland County Humane Society,  1609 East Marion Street, Shelby, NC, 28150 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC, 28150.

www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com