Obituary of Patrick William Ferchill

Patrick Ferchill, 78, a Southern gentleman filled with joie de vivre and love of family and friends, passed away at home November 1, 2024.

Pat was born in 1946 in Longview, Texas to Dorothy Wilson Ferchill and Patrick Ferchill.  It was there he became intrigued with and shared with his father a love for vintage automobiles.  Owning his first classic car at age 11, four of the original collection of 200 plus cars remain.

Following graduation from Longview High School in 1964, he earned a B.B.A degree from SMU in 1968 and a J.D. degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1972.  During his law school years he attended summer sessions at both Stanford and Harvard University. 

In 1967 while at SMU, he met the Duchess of Fort Worth while escorting the Duchess of Longview at the Tyler Rose Festival.  The Duchess of Fort Worth was Martha Cantey Hendricks who would become his bride in 1971.

In what was to become a distinguished judicial career, Pat started in Fort Worth as Assistant City Attorney, Civil Division 1973-1975; and Chief Judge Probate Court of Law No. 2 where he found his passion for the probate court and guardianship services.  For more than 35 years he faithfully served the citizens of Tarrant County until his retirement in 2016.  His peers recognized his expertise and contributions in the field of guardianship with a number of local and national awards.

He was a member of the Rolls Royce Club, Kappa Alpha fraternity, the State Bar of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, the Steeplechase Club, River Crest County Club, and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco.

Pat is survived by his wife of 53 years Martha Cantey (Candy) Ferchill; sons Patrick Beau Teas Ferchill, his wife Alexandra Blake Cummins Ferchill; Edward Cantey Ferchill, his wife Kathleen (Katie) Cruz Ferchill; grandchildren Emory Paige Teas Ferchill, Patrick Gordon Teas Ferchill; Reagan Cantey Ferchill and Chandler Eloise Ferchill all of Fort Worth; sister Suma Ferchill Lipari, Beverly Hills, C.A., and his dog Carly. The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Weldon Smith and Community Hospice for their care and services.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024 in Independence Chapel at Greenwood Mausoleum.  

Following the service, the family will greet friends at a reception to be held at RiverCrest Country Club in the Founders Room. 

Memorials: Should friends desire, memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to Saving Hope Animal Rescue  ( savinghoperescue.org)  or Guardianship Services (GSI) (guardianshipservices.org) .