J. K. ‘Buck’ Ridley
J. K. “Buck” Ridley passed away Friday, January 19, 2018. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 3 p.m. at the Breckenridge Cemetery. Burial will follow under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org, 800-272-3900 or to the charity of your choice.
Buck was born January 13, 1924, to Mathis and Alyce Ridley and was the last of six children. He grew up in Parks Camp and in Breckenridge. In 1941 he graduated from Breckenridge High School and enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University on a football scholarship. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he left Hardin-Simmons in December 1941 to join the U.S. Navy Flight program. In the Navy he served as a flight instructor and as a carrier pilot. On September 2, 1944, Buck married Patricia Louise Sandefer of Breckenridge.
Buck was pre-deceased by his wife Patricia Sandefer Ridley, by his parents, and by his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his daughter, Jill and husband Scott Bishop of Abilene; his two sons, Jack Ridley, Jr. of Dallas and Davis Sandefer Ridley and wife Mary Flo Ridley of Dallas; his five grandchildren, Meredith Bishop Back, Matt Bishop, Meg Ridley Hooper, Jill Ridley Hudson and Davis Ridley; and his twelve great-grandchildren.
