Rodney Ammons

Rodney Ammons, renowned Western bootmaker, passed away on October 30,2024 in Ft Worth, Texas after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rodney was a giant of a man, not just in stature but in spirit, talent, character and achievements. His dynamic personality, quick wit and fun loving congeniality fostered life long friendships with people in all walks of life. He was an epic jokester with an endless inventory of extraordinary stories and hilarious quips that he shared with a twinkle in his eye and an infectious laugh. He always lifted the spirits of everyone around him. 

Even though Rodney spent most of his life in Texas, he was a Tennessee boy at heart. In 1966, he proudly enlisted in the military to serve his country and further his education. He was deployed to Vietnam where he was severely injured and medevaced back to the United States. Rodney was proud to be a veteran and was honored to be of his service to his country,

His bootmaking journey started at Genesco in Nashville in the early 70’s where he worked for 5 years while attending the University of Tennessee-Nashville to obtain a degree in Industrial Engineering. His passion for the Vols (University of Tennessee Volunteers football team) began at this time. He became a true Vols fan and throughout his life scheduled his days around their games. He bled orange and screamed with joy when they won. 

His Industrial Engineering degree led him to the Wrangler Boot Company and a mentorship with Sam Lucchese. Rodney was sent to San Antonio to “crank up production” at the Lucchese factory while Sam designed boots for Wrangler. He built up Lucchese production from 6 pairs to 120 pairs a day, fell in love with the beauty of a fine crafted boot and learned fit, pattern and style from one of the greatest bootmasters.

The Urban Cowboy craze brought more opportunity for Rodney and in 1985 he moved to El Paso, the boot Mecca, and founded Ammons Boot Company where he produced custom, made-to-measure boots as well as a full run in stock styles for retail stores. He had over 100 employees and he treated each one with respect and admiration for their skill and participation in the business. As his knowledge and talent grew, so did his fame and reputation. 

He received an offer from Nieman Marcus to feature 50 pairs of full wrap alligator boots in their famous Christmas catalog. The ad was a huge success and led to another big brand collaboration. Saks Fifth Avenue invited Rodney to put a luxury leather boutique inside the Saks store in the Dallas Galleria. The store within a store was a big success. 

 In 2010, opportunity came knocking again and Rodney was offered a position with Justin Brands, Inc. where he was responsible for the production of Tony Lama Signature boots. His talent, knowledge and work ethic earned him the Justin Lifetime Achievement award in 2024, in recognition of his exemplary craftsmanship, innovation and dedication to the Art of Bootmaking. 

Widely acclaimed as one of the best boot artisans in the world, his celebrity client list was unrivaled in the industry. Rodney routinely created bespoke products for the most famous names in the world, from United States Presidents, to Hollywood icons to legendary music artists of all genres, all-star sports celebrities and corporate titans. In a humble display rarely seen today, these achievements had no effect on Rodney’s everyday life, he never flaunted this status, and was the same gracious and good natured person he always was. Rodney is a true legend who was passionate about bootmaking and dedicated to his craft. He left an indelible impression on the western boot industry. 

Rodney is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cydne Ammons, his son, Randall Ammons and his brothers, Rick Ammons and Roger Ammons, He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary “Pinky” Ammons and his father, Randall Ammons. 

He will be interred in Harpeth Hills Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.

A celebration of life will be held in Ft. Worth, Texas (at a date to be determined). In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to his favorite charity the St. Jude Foundation.