Ronald Lee Ripley

February 14, 1946 – July 13, 2023

In the company of loved ones in his home, Ronald Lee Ripley passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023. Ron was born on February 14, 1946, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to parents Joseph E. Ripley and Betty L. Ripley.

Ron grew up in Perry Oklahoma, excelling in academics and athletics, and forming many lifelong friendships. Ron attended college and played basketball in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, later transferring to the University of Oklahoma. After graduation, he attended law school also at the University of Oklahoma. His career spanned more than 40 years of private practice as an attorney and corporate general counsel in Oklahoma.

Post-retirement, he served for a time as the co-Director of Students for Access to Justice at his alma mater, the OU College of Law.

Ron served his country as an Army Ranger, earning distinction as a leader. He was a passionate reader, nearly always to be found with a stack of books and magazines near to hand. He closely followed politics at all levels and loved to engage in spirited discussions with friends. A lifelong sports fan and all-around athlete, Ron loved the game of golf. As a child, Ron and his brother were taught the game of golf by their father, who was also an avid golfer. He played regularly with friends throughout his life, at courses near and far. He was an active volunteer for the Oklahoma Golf Association, the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame, and the United States Golf Association for many years, including serving as a rules official at countless golf championships of all sizes.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Betty L. Ripley, his father Joseph E. Ripley, and his brother Joseph “Mickey” Ripley.

Ron is survived by his wife Terry (Lensgraf) Ripley, his son Travis A. Ripley, his daughter Erika B. Ripley, their mother Betty (Brown) Ripley, granddaughter Honora Clark, and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2:00 p.m., at Smith and Kernke, 14624 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ron’s favorite charities, which were Meals on Wheels of Norman, Oklahoma, the Women’s Resource Center in Norman Oklahoma, and the Perry High School Alumni Association.