Funeral services for Mr. Wilford L. Ridings, age 78, of Lake Murvaul, will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Newton Hambrick officiating. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Park near Carthage. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Ridings passed away on Friday evening, July 8, 2011, in Nacogdoches.

Wilford Lee Ridings was born on Aug. 29, 1932, in Cotton Valley, LA to Henry Singleton Ridings, Sr. and Nora Rollinson Ridings. He graduated from Cotton Valley High School, Panola College, and attended S.F.A. University. Mr. Ridings served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 and was honorably discharged. He married Betty Sue Lockridge on March 18, 1955, in Carthage. Mr. Ridings worked for United Gas and Pennzoil for 40 years, retiring in 1990. He loved to travel and especially loved trips to Red River, NM. Mr. Ridings was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Willie Allene Ridings; and one brother, Henry Singleton Ridings, Jr.

Mr. Ridings is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Sue Lockridge Ridings of Lake Murvaul; one daughter, Pam Patterson and husband Bobby of Lake Murvaul; two sons, Michael Ridings and wife Joan of San Antonio and Bruce Ridings and wife Cindy of Spring; brother-in-law, Tony Lockridge of Tyler; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive Mr. Ridings.

Serving as pallbearers are Bobby Patterson, Phil Lackey, Billy Griffin, Matthew Ridings, Jordan Ridings, David Ridings, and Buddy Ridings.

If desired, memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 137, Gary, TX 75643 or to Kidney Disease Research.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.