Rev. Billy Gene Riggs

Rev. Billy Gene Riggs, 81, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 at Memorial Mission Hospital.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bill was born on June 30, 1942 to the late Otis Andrew Riggs and Lillian Askings Tatum. His stepfather was George Tatum.

Rev. Riggs attended Bible college and served as a minister for 50 years. He also worked as a hospital chaplain. It did his heart good to help veterans and the homeless. He operated a homeless shelter in Fayetteville, North Carolina for over 20 years and made a lasting impact in countless lives. His devotion and care for others will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanette Riggs; daughter, Cheryl Winstead (Jason), four grandchildren, Summer, Sierra, Carson, and Camden; and three siblings, Patricia Tatum of Tennessee, Otis Riggs of California, and Robert Riggs of Sanford, North Carolina.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church.