Ronnie "Bear" Clifton

Graveside service for Ronnie "Bear" Clifton, 83 of Bridgeport, Texas, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.  Marc Moore will officiate.

He was born on June 13, 1942 in Olney, Texas, to James (Jack) and Mattie Lorene (Gilmore) Clifton, and went to be with our Lord on July 6, 2025, in Bridgeport, Texas.

On May 12, 1961, Ronnie married the love of his life Cindy Clarida Clifton in Olney, Texas.

Ronnie was a Self-employed truck driver for many years and taught his family the importance of hard work and diligence throughout his time.

He was an avid sports fan who supported his kids, grandkids, and many adopted kids along the way. There was never a question that "Bear" would be in the crowd, regardless of the event. Bear was also notorious for his famous saying, "make a layup". He also loved watching his westerns, with a bias toward John Wayne, and had many movie nights to share his love for western films with his family. Ronnie also enjoyed cooking out and entertaining family and friends. He also took immense pride in his BBQ smoker that was used to feed numerous people for many years.

Ronnie was proceeded in death by his wife Cindy Clifton, in 2012, his parents James (Jack) and Mattie Lorene Clifton; brothers Wendell and Marvin (Buster) Clifton; and sister Georgia Clifton Harris.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Kyle Clifton and wife Jodi of Aledo, Texas; his daughters Kala Clifton Walsh and husband Paul of Bridgeport, Texas and Kayce Clifton Keener and husband Bryan of Bridgeport, Texas; sister Viola Clifton Townley of Lewisville, Texas. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Hayden Clifton, Hunter Clifton, Landrie Walsh, Logan Walsh, Tyler Keener, and Taryn Keener and a host of dear friends.

In lieu of flowers and foliage, the family request that donations be made to the Character Counts Scholarship of Wise County. This Scholarship held deep meaning for him, as character was a core value he lived by every day. He not only embodied integrity in his own life but also made it a priority to instill the importance of strong character in each member of his family, a quality that truly set him apart from others. Checks made payable to WC Challenger Charities. In the memo please address Character Counts.

Mail to: Stephens Bastian & Cartwright Attn: Character Counts 2351 S. FM 51, Ste.300 Decatur, Texas 76234.