Clifford Lee Ridgway

Funeral services for Clifford Lee Ridgway, Jr., a longtime Atoka, OK resident were held Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown’s Funeral Chapel in Atoka with Bro. Jay Willoughby officiating. Brown’s Funeral Service of Atoka was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Ridgway was born January 17, 1956 to Clifford Lee Sr. and Shirley Mae (Powell) Ridgway at Coalgate, OK. Surrounded by his loved ones, he passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his home in Atoka, OK at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 15 days. He graduated from Atoka High School and later attended college. Clifford married Melanie (Templin) October 23, 1987 at Frisco, TX. They enjoyed 37 years of marriage before his passing.

Clifford was a deputy sheriff for Atoka County and was an investigator for Coal County. He was voted Deputy of the State in 2003. Clifford attended Harmony Baptist Church. He enjoyed listening to Charlie Daniels, Eddie Rabbit and Little River Band, fishing, hunting, being outdoors, camping, and growing peanuts. He loved his tractor and planting green fields for his grandkids, loved his grandkids, and besides his love for his family, he loved his job in law enforcement.

Survivors include his wife, Melanie Ridgway of the home in Atoka; sons, Jimmy Ridgway and wife Lisa of Atoka, and Brian Ridgway of Ft. Collins, CO; daughter, Mindy Ridgway and Jimmie Wayne of Lane, OK; grandchildren, Matthew Ridgway and wife Frankie of Savoy, TX, Zack Kennedy and wife Miranda, Hannah Ridgway and husband Donovan all of Atoka; Joey Ridgway and wife Alyssa of Oklahoma City, Michelle Ridgway, Kelton Chaffin and wife Michelle of McAlester, Lucas Ridgway of Colorado, Leland Chaffin of Atoka, Becca Ridgway, Dalton Ridgway, both of Colorado, and Lathan Westdyke of Atoka; numerous greatgrandchildren; brothers, Bruce Ridgway and wife Brenda of Caney, OK, Greg Ridgway and wife Pamela of Atoka; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Lee Sr. and Shirley Mae (Powell) Ridgway, and son David Westdyke.

Casketbearers were Jeb Bailey, Bryan Jump, Corwin Ridgway, Larry Luman, Preston Harbuck and Ricky Hunt. Honorary bearers were Tommy Johnson, Jim Ollerich, Dewayne Mobbs, Billy Templin, Griffin Templin and all grandkids.

Condolences may be sent to the family by email to: browns@atoka.net. Please reference the name of the deceased in your correspondence.