Clifton "Cliff" Robert Dillehay, Jr.

Clifton (Cliff) Robert Dillehay, Jr. was born on December 31, 1957, in Lawton, Oklahoma. After being diagnosed with cancer in June 2024, he passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Dillehay; stepchildren Brittany and Tony Lee, Andrew and Holly Filewood; his grandchildren Evelyn Lee, Max Lee, and Aidan Dillehay; and son Clifton and wife Marissa Dillehay.

Cliff was known for having a heart “the size of Texas”—a constant source of encouragement, humor, and steadfast support to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He loved people and had enough stories and jokes to fill a lifetime.

His greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. He cherished playing cards and boardgames, catching fireflies, and stargazing with his grandchildren. Cliff loved reading and learning, and dreamed of being behind the wheel of a race car.

He also adored his pets and is survived by Birdie, his loyal Catahoula mix puppy, and Laser Beam, his sweet orange tabby.

Cliff earned a BBA from Northwood University and an MLA from Southern Methodist University. His career was wide-ranging—truck driver, salesman, technical support—but the role he loved most was teaching high school social studies at Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in DISD. In 2008, he was honored as Teacher of the Year. Clifton was also a proud Master Mason with the Arlington Blue Lodge.

A lifelong martial artist, Cliff began practicing Karate at age 16. In 2024, he achieved his 10th-degree black belt in American Kenpo, and in 2025 he received the Cancer Warrior Belt, a recognition of both skill and spirit. He shared his passion by teaching self-defense courses, leading seminars, hosting tournaments, and running after-school karate clubs for high school students.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to one of the following organizations:

SPCA of Texas (https://spca.org/?form=donation)

Reel Recovery (https://www.reelrecovery.org/donate)

Carter Blood Care (https://www.carterbloodcare.org/get-involved/monetary-contributions/)

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm on March 14th at New World United Methodist Church: 2201 N. Davis Dr., Arlington, Texas 76012. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.