Henderson ISD mourns the loss of Ronnie Ferguson, a beloved educator whose influence on students, colleagues and the broader music education community spanned more than five decades.
Mr. Ferguson joined Henderson ISD in 1977 after beginning his teaching career at West Rusk ISD in 1969. He retired from Henderson ISD as band director in 2003. During that time, he helped shape not only award-winning programs but generations of students whose lives were changed through discipline, creativity and a deep respect for music.
His work was recognized well beyond Henderson. Letters throughout his career speak to his professionalism, high expectations and commitment to excellence. Whether leading precision performances on Friday nights, preparing students for regional and state competitions or serving in leadership roles within music education organizations, Mr. Ferguson was widely respected for both his technical skill and his steady, student-centered leadership.
Even after retirement, his dedication never faded. Mr. Ferguson never went far from Henderson ISD, returning at times to work with the band program, teach students individually or serve as a clinician and mentor. Throughout his career, he remained focused on helping young musicians grow, often quietly and behind the scenes.
Ronnie Ferguson leaves behind a lasting legacy in Henderson ISD. His influence can still be heard in the music played, the standards upheld, and the countless former students who carry his lessons forward.
Craig Haynie, current band director at Henderson High School, said Mr. Ferguson was a teacher in the generation current band directors often refer to as "legends."
"As a young band student competing with Mr. Ferguson and the Lion Pride Band, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have the opportunity to be a part of the legacy that Mr. Ferguson built," Haynie said. "His passing is a loss not only for our community but also for the music educators across the state who have been impacted by him."
Haynie noted that Mr. Ferguson taught during a period from the late 1970s through the early 2000s when music education, particularly military-style marching band, was undergoing significant change. "There was limited wind band literature available, which meant directors often had to edit and make pieces work for their bands. Mr. Ferguson took drill writing for the field and made the drill fit the music in ways that were not always done before."
Under Ferguson’s leadership, the band grew to more than 300 students and produced an exceptional number of high-level and all-state musicians. Many of the trophies and accolades earned during that era still line the walls of the HHS band hall.
Our thoughts are with his wife, family, friends, former students and all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Funeral services for Mr. Ferguson will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Henderson.