Ben Ferguson

(John B. Ferguson)

June 4, 1947– December 21, 2024

Ben Ferguson, known for his gentle rascality and the genuine twinkle in his eye, died on December 21, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. When he was diagnosed in 2012, Ben told his family, "I know I'm a dead man walking, but I promise to do this as gracefully as possible." In every way, he fulfilled this promise.

Born and raised in Dallas, Ben displayed an early aptitude for mischief. Perhaps his most memorable misadventure was wrecking both family cars in one day as a teenager. However, Ben’s impish smile and genuine sweetness meant that he was never in trouble for long.

Ben’s devil-may-care spirit carried onto the football field. He was a tough, hard-hitting running back who once played an entire game with a broken arm. That fearlessness extended to his boxing career, but with less illustrious results. His nickname, "One Round Ferguson," reflected his short-lived stint in the Golden Gloves but highlighted his talent for humor and self-deprecation.

Ben Ferguson spent seven decades turning mischief into wisdom, with love and honor as his foundation. His 40-year career as a board-certified family psychologist was driven by his respect and fondness for troubled adolescents.

A lifelong blues enthusiast, bow tie aficionado, and gas station coffee connoisseur, Ben’s love for his family shone brightest. He shared 55 joyful years with his wife, Robyn, whom he charmed with a fictional motorcycle and unwavering tenderness. Together, they raised two remarkable children, J.B. and Taylor, who inherited his humor and resilience.

Ben is survived by Robyn, his children, their spouses Vivian and Brian, granddaughters Eleanor, Frances, and Phoebe, and sisters Becky and Rachel. Though Ben lost his ability to remember, his legacy of laughter, love, and a daily dose of mischief remains vivid to his family and friends.

Ben’s family is so grateful to the staff of Silverado Barton Springs Memory Care Community, who never failed to treat Ben with the utmost respect and affection. They worked hard to preserve his dignity and his dance moves.

Ben’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15th, at 2:00 pm at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (8724 Travis Hills Dr., Austin, Texas).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to support the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease (https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/about/giving.html).