Celebration of life Saturday will honor barrier-breaking Clay High coach who served community for nearly 40 years

Sixty years ago, Ron Riddle blazed a trail in Clay County, becoming the district’s first Black educator.Over nearly four decades after that, he poured into the lives of Clay County students as a mentor, leader and coach.Riddle, who died earlier this month, will be honored Saturday with a celebration of life at 4 p.m. at Clay High Stadium, which houses the track named for him.Tributes to Riddle and his lasting legacy have poured out from district leaders.The county athletics department shared this message:Some people leave a mark on a school or a program. Others leave a lasting impact on generations of people. Coach Ron Riddle was one of those extraordinary individuals.A legendary coach, an incredible mentor, and an even better human being. Coach Riddle was truly one of a kind. He had the gentlest soul, the kindest heart, and a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued.His impact reached far beyond the fields and hallways of Clay High School. He didn’t just coach athlet