Jerry Wayne Riggs, 73 of Beaumont, died peacefully at Harbor Hospice House on May 28, 2007.
He was born April 16, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to Ruel Napoleon Riggs and Rose Ethel Riley Riggs. The family moved to Beaumont a few months later, where Jerry lived out the rest of his life. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1953, attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, and then entered the Air Force, serving in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Jerry joined the Travelers Protective Association in November 1966. Over the years he served on various committees at the local post and state level. Jerry enjoyed traveling to the T.P.A. National Conventions, which allowed him to experience many different areas of this country. He was most effective as President of local post “P”. He was most proud that under his request, the National Board of Directors for the Travelers Protective Association is on record to endorse the use of safety belts on school buses. His leadership will be missed.
The principles by which he lived his life made it obvious that he was a Christian, and Jerry was an active member of Amelia Baptist Church for many years.
Jerry was very creative and spent countless hours making unique birdhouses. He also built a log cabin playhouse and an old-fashioned yard swing, which he lovingly gave to family members.
Retiring from Goodyear after thirty-six years of service, he spent much of his free time reading, playing games at church, and traveling with T.P.A. He also attended many events involving his grandchildren, such as Grandparent’s Day at school, dance recitals, baseball games, and birthday parties. If there was a place to go that involved visiting, Jerry did his best to be there.
Community service was important to Jerry, and he was the current President of A.C.O.R.N. (Amelia Coalition of Responsible Neighbors), where he was a member for more than ten years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Ruel Riggs and wife Grace of Beaumont; and his sister, Janis Davis and husband Jim of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by his wife of forty-five years, Jo Ann Riggs; sons, Kyle Riggs and wife Debbie of Beaumont, Kent Riggs of Call, and Keith Riggs and wife Kim of Port Neches; grandchildren, Macy and Karson Riggs, Amber Riggs, and Noah, Logan, and Makenna Riggs. He also leaves behind many longtime neighborhood friends who, along with his family, were by his side until his death.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2007 at Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton Lane, Beaumont, 77707 with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N. Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday, May 31, 2007 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, c/o Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
