TITLE: In memory of Ronald Edward Dugger.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ronald Edward Dugger.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Ronald Edward Dugger, who died on May 27, 2025, at the age of 95; and WHEREAS, Born in Chicago on April 16, 1930, Ronnie Dugger grew up in San Antonio and gained an interest in reporting and politics at an early age; he began working as a sportswriter at just 13 years old, and he continued his pursuit of truthful journalism as an editor for the student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin; there, he majored in government and economics, completed his bachelor's degree, and met his wife, Jeanne Williams, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage and had two children, Celia Dugger of New York City and Gary Dugger of Carmel, California; he also spent time studying political theory and economics at the University of Oxford; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dugger was just 24 years old when he was recruited to be the first editor of The Texas Observer,from its founding in 1954 until 1961, after which he continued to contribute as a writer and publisher; he moved to the Northeast, and while living there, he wrote multiple books chronicling notable figures in American history, including Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, and married Patricia Blake in 1985; he also cofounded Alliance for Democracy and contributed articles to such major publications as The Nation,The New Yorker,and The Atlantic;and WHEREAS, Ronnie later returned to Austin and again immersed himself in his community, Texas politics, and journalism; he has received numerous recognitions for his career achievements, including the George Polk Career Award from Long Island University in 2011 and induction into The Daily Texan Hall of Fame in 2015; throughout his time as a journalist, he taught at institutions of higher education and lectured nationwide to advocate civil rights protections and public services; and WHEREAS, Ronnie's two children and his six grandchildren were a source of pride and joy to him; his steadfast belief in the power of the press has inspired beloved family members to join the profession, and his dedication to progressive journalism and his passion for equality in the Lone Star State have made a positive impact in the lives of innumerable people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Ronald Edward Dugger; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ronnie Dugger. Eckhardt President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 4, 2025, by a rising vote.