Ralph Michael Clifton

Ralph Michael Clifton, 68, a lifetime resident of Brinkley and prominent lawyer, passed away Thursday, April 20th at St. Vincent's Infirmary at Little Rock. He was the son of the late Otto W. Clifton, Sr. and the late Wilhelmina "Mina" Patricia Farrell Clifton. He was a 1967 graduate of Brinkley High School, graduated from Arkansas State in 1972 and continued his education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, graduating with a degree in Law. While in college he became a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduating law school, Ralph returned to Brinkley to care for his mother and began his general law practice with Attorney Dan Kennett and continued his practice in Brinkley until his death. He was qualified to practice law in any court in Arkansas. He was very active in the Brinkley community, serving as the city attorney for 31 years, prosecuting misdemeanor violations within the city of Brinkley. He was a recipient of the Arkansas Municipal League, Jack R. Roe award for 25 years of distinguished service in Brinkley and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International since 1978. Ralph was past president of the Brinkley Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the Brinkley Rotary Club where he was recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight for 20 years. He is survived by: Three brothers, Otto W. Clifton, Jr. and wife Kay of Germantown, Tenn., Joseph Farrell Clifton and wife Cindy of Dallas, Texas, Richard Louis Clifton and wife Ann of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Patricia Ann Gilman and husband Dennis of Vicksburg, Miss.; Companion, Lynda Hamm. Visitation: Thursday evening, April 27, 6-8 p.m., at the Brinkley Convention Center. Rosary will follow at 8 p.m. Requiem Mass: 10 a.m. Friday morning, at the Convention Center with burial following at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial may be made to: The Ralph Clifton Scholarship Fund, c/o Arkansas State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University of Arkamsas 72467. Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home - Brinkley in charge of arrangements. You may sign the guestbook at www.bobnealandsons.com.