Ridley Parker Lifsey Obituary (1933 - 2014)

Ridley Parker Lifsey 9/17/1933-12/30/2014 Ridley "Rid" Parker Lifsey, Retired USAF Major, peacefully passed away at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Ridley was born on September 17, 1933 in Emporia, Virginia to Leon and Lucy (Parker) Lifsey. Ridley's father worked for the railroad, moving to Rocky Mount, North Carolina where Ridley Parker, his brother, Leon Carol, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth, were raised. After graduating from Rocky Mount High School, Ridley joined the USAF and was quickly recruited to be a pilot, sent to flight training in Texas where he met and married the love of his life, Muriel Maxine. Ridley and Muriel were married for nearly 60 years and, while raising their four children, shared a successful military life that included short stays in Texas, California and Utah, eventually residing outside Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) in Roy. After two decades of service as a pilot, electronic warfare officer, B-52 squadron leader, and assistant to the base commander at HAFB, as well as numerous Vietnam War decorations, Ridley retired in the mid-seventies and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Weber State College. Finally, he then worked for over 16 years as a cartographer with the U.S. Forest Service. Ridley was a smart, kind and adoring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. However, he will be best known for his dedication and care to his wife during her 12-year fight against cancer. He was by her side every day until she passed in early 2012. Even with his many accomplishments, Ridley would want to be remembered most as a provider, father and dutiful husband to his wife and family. Ridley is survived by his children, Eric Lifsey, Robert Lifsey, Phillip Lifsey and Donna Foster; four grandchildren, Jason Lifsey, Autumn Lifsey, Owen Lifsey and Hayes Foster and three great-grandchildren, William, Gryffin and Everleigh Lifsey. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah. There will be a viewing for family and friends from 10:30-11:15 a.m., prior to services. Double interment services are planned for both Ridley and Muriel Lifsey at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be announced. The family requests any memorials to be made to local Veterans organizations, or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com. CemeteryArlington National Cemetery , VA VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 January 6, 2015 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM ServiceMyers Mortuary of Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 January 6, 2015 11:30 AM