Clarence Haverty Ridley

Clarence Haverty Ridley was an accomplished and highly respected businessman and attorney based in Atlanta. Throughout his life, he demonstrated remarkable intelligence, integrity, and a passion for various interests and philanthropic endeavors.

Born in Atlanta, Ridley attended the Westminster Schools before going on to earn a B.A. in English from Yale in 1964. He continued his education with an M.B.A. from Harvard in 1966and a J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1971.

After completing his education, Ridley served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, where he was decorated for outstanding service during his service in Korea. Following his military duty, he embarked on a successful legal career with King & Spalding, where he was eventually elected as a partner and served as Chairman of the firm.

In 2000, Clancy Ridley accepted the chairmanship of Haverty Furniture Companies, a family business founded by his great-grandfather J.J. Haverty. Under his leadership, the company navigated through challenging market conditions and expanded into new markets. Ridley played a crucial role in providing continuity of leadership during the company’s transition to new CEOs and significant growth periods.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Ridley was known for his involvement in various community and philanthropic activities. He chaired the board of St. Joseph’s Health System and the Board of Visitors of Emory University. Additionally, he served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Atlanta Girls School, Atlanta Ballet, Leadership Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, the Carter Center, and the Atlanta Opera.

In 2012, Clarence Haverty Ridley passed away at the age of 69. He was survived by his wife of 42 years, Eleanor Horsey Ridley, and two daughters, Augusta Ridley and Clare Ridley. His impressive legacy lives on through his professional achievements, philanthropic endeavors, and contributions to the Atlanta community.