LAFAYETTE M. RAGSDALE

Here is that KINGSBURY Art Print that Mr. Ragsdale so graciously gave several to me for our Golf Tournament Auction items. They sold well. I have kept mine that he signed for me. PLUS, my middle name is Ragsdale....

I only remember 2 of my high school teachers, Mr. Ragsdale was one of them. My fondest memories from Ridgeway were from that band room from 80-84. Rest in peace, sir.

Mr. Ragsdale was such a treasure and an influence in my life. He could do anything related to arts and music. Literally a combination Mozart and Picasso all in one.

Being a member of the Ridgeway High School Choir, I was always flattered and humbled when Mr. Ragsdale would ask me to be his bass player considering I was not a member of the band. He was a great educator, musician, artist and person. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

My only encounters with Lafayette Ragsdale were when Bartlett was celebrating their bicentennial - they decided to raise funds by sponsoring a calendar and asking Bartlett residents to submit a pen and ink drawing of old Bartlett. My daughter's drawing was one of the 12 selected. As it turned out, she was the only "child" winner. What a great honor for her! Then, I was lucky enough to find a framed & signed artwork by Mr. Radsdale at an estate sale. I wasn't sure if it was a print or an...

Mr. Ragsdale was kind enough several years ago to give us several KINGSBURY art prints to sell in our KHS Alumni silent auctions for college scholarships. I had mine personally signed by him when I picked them up at his home. What a nice man he was! To say nothing of his beautiful talent! I did not know he was a band leader, .... Kingsbury had a great one too - Mr. Alan Goldsmith. Band leaders are a special breed, ..and to be a good one is even more rare. The world truly appreciates talent!

Mr. Ragsdale was my band director at Ridgeway (1978-1980) and I was a drummer. If you have much understanding of band leaders and their drummers you know that can be a stressful relationship at best. Rags was the exception to the rule, as he would often give us some artistic liberties and let us "fill" for 20 or more bars and just let us jam, especially in jazz/stage band. Great guy and awesome band leader and incredible artist. I'll miss you Rags.

My sister and I had Mr. Ragsdale as our band director at White Station High School in the 1970s. He was a cheerful, friendly man - and also a hep cat! My sister and a friend painted the "Lafayette's Music Room" logo on the band room wall and it stayed there for many years - may even be there still. I ran into Mr. Ragsdale at the Mid-South Fair Art Exhibitions periodically. He was also gracious and kind. Thanks for sharing yourself with so many music students over the years!