Richard Murray Cloyd

Richard Murray Cloyd was welcomed into Heaven on April 13th, 2026, in his home in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving family and embraced by the peace and comfort of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Richard was born to Jim and Lynda Cloyd on Feb 28th, 1967, and spent all his childhood much of his adult life in various parts of Texas, including Canadian, Stratford, Arlington, and San Angelo. He eventually settled in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he continued raising the family that he loved so deeply.

Richard was a strong man of faith and a beloved member of his current church, Oakdale Baptist, for more than two decades. He led a life of quiet integrity, steady kindness, and a character that earned the love and respect of all that knew him. He was a fiercely devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a lasting example to his children and so many others. Above all, Richard loved his wife, Melissa, throughout their 36 years of marriage. They met in November of 1988 during their senior year in college. They wasted no time and married the following summer on August 5th, 1989. He loved her with a storybook sweetness and devotion that marked their life together. He was gentle with her, loyal to her, and steady in the small daily acts of love that reflected the heart of Jesus. Melissa could always count on Richard to have a cup of coffee waiting just the way she liked it, and to be at every door before she even thought of opening it herself.

 Richard loved his son, Grayson Robert, and his daughter, Makenzi Lane, with all his heart. He was deeply proud of the man and woman his children became and never missed a chance to speak of them. He found special joy in taking hunting trips with Grayson, and in visiting Makenzi in Stillwater where they rooted for their OSU Cowboys. He had long looked forward to becoming “Pop,” and anticipated it to be one of life’s sweetest blessings. Although he did not get to meet his grandson who is due in June 2026, the love he gave and legacy he leaves will endure. 

Richard cherished time with family and friends. He loved time around the dinner table, on the back patio, or around a campfire sharing stories, playing games, or lingering over a good cup of coffee. He was drawn to the stillness and tranquility that the Rocky Mountains of Colorado offered him. It was a place that brought him profound peace over the many decades that he and his family spent visiting them. Escaping the Texas heat meant that summers were filled to the brim with a loaded camper and road trips to higher altitudes. Many of his most treasured memories were made on cool mountain evenings, with his children nearby, sticky from roasted marshmallows and gathered close around the fire. Believe it or not, Richard was proud of his Scottish heritage and consequently enjoyed the bagpipes. However, he was a true Texan at heart with the soul of a cowboy and the manners of an old-fashioned gentleman. His hero was his father, Jim Cloyd, who was a Texas Ranger and held the honor of being the first masked rider at Texas Tech University. Richard always cheered on his Red Raiders and left plenty of room for the OKC Thunder. He spoke with immense love and respect for his father, as well as the rest of his family. His father’s legacy of strength, honor, and duty stayed with him all his life.

 Richard Murray Cloyd leaves a beautiful legacy of unwavering loyalty, respect, and integrity. His profound kindness and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his character. He was the kind of husband, father and friend who always made people feel safe and cared for. His life was a blessing to his family, church, and all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife Melissa, his son Grayson, his daughter Makenzi, his sonin-law Austin, his mother Lynda Cloyd, his sister Susan Day, his brother Jay Cloyd and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Cloyd.

Services for Richard are scheduled at Oakdale Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026.