Paul Overton Ridings Jr.

Paul Overton Ridings Jr. passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on June 12, 1948, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Paul O. Ridings and Freddie Ridings, he followed family tradition to become a third-generation journalist and public relations professional. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Texas Christian University, where his grandfather, J. Willard Ridings, had founded the journalism and public relations departments. Paul later served as Assistant Sports Information Director at TCU.

He served six years as an officer in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Captain. His professional career included roles as Sports Information Director at Trinity University in San Antonio, Public Relations Director for the Dallas Tornado Soccer Club, and Associate Sports Information Director at SMU for eight years. On May 3, 1986, he married Mary Kathleen Hamm, the love of his life. In 1989, he became Sports Information Director at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he worked for 26 years until his retirement in 2016. A devoted member of the First Christian Church of Huntsville for 26 years, he served as an Elder.

Paul had a deep love for nature and spent his free time exploring the Grand Canyon and other national parks. He remained passionate about sports throughout his life and continued to volunteer his time and expertise in sports journalism even after retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kathleen Ridings, his son, Nathan Joseph Ridings, and his two dogs.