A Life Worth Remembering: The Legacy of Mr. Clayton Macom

The rodeo community has continued to feel the loss of Clayton Macom, a longtime PRCA judge, former bull rider and very respected man whose impact extended well beyond the arena.

Macom passed away Jan. 13 at the age of 60. Though several weeks have passed, his absence is still felt by those who worked alongside him, competed under his eye and knew him as a friend, mentor and a wonderful man of faith.

Before becoming a judge, Macom was a competitor himself, riding bulls in his younger years. Those experiences shaped the way he approached judging when the time came too. He judge with fairness, a competitor perspective and respect for both contestants and the livestock.

Macom worked his way into the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as one of its top judges, and he took a lot of pride in his job. Those who knew him can attest that he prepared well and cared deeply about doing the job the right way and never lost sight of the true responsibility that came with it.

Beyond rodeo, Macom was first and foremost a family man. He is survived by his sons, Colt and Dakota, and his daughter, Savannah, along with grandchildren and extended family who were central to his life. Friends say he never missed an opportunity to talk about his children and his faith. 

His toughness was well known in the arena. Macom battled leukemia and other serious health challenges in recent years, continuing to work and show up despite adversity. 

“Anyone that knew Clayton will tell you how tough he was,” the IPRA wrote in a statement. “But I will choose another word to describe him: passionate. He was passionate about standing up for what he believed in, riding bucking horses and bulls, judging, helping others, battling every challenge that came his way and he was passionate about his family.”

Those who worked alongside him echoed the same. Andrews Rodeo Company shared, “We enjoyed working with Clayton. He was always so fun to be around.”

Macom’s memorial service was held in mid January in Oklahoma, where family, friends and members of the rodeo community gathered to honor a life defined by service.

In rodeo, judges often work quietly in the background, but their influence is lasting. Clayton Macom leaves behind a legacy of integrity, dedication and passion, all qualities that will continue to be remembered by those who ever shared the arena with him.

He fought the good fight, and his example will not be forgotten.

Continued prayers to the Macom family.