Richard Edward Riggins' Obituary
Graveside services for Doctor Richard Edward Riggins, 81, of Longview will be held at 11 AM Monday, March 26th at Rosewood Park Mausoleum Chapel. Family visitation will be Sunday, March 25th from 5-7 pm at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Doctor Riggins went to be with his heavenly father Thursday, March 22, 2012 after a heroic battle with lung cancer and complications.
Richard was born October 11, 1930 to Claude and Willie Mae Riggins in their home in Stamps, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Quinton Riggins and Bobby Riggins.
Doctor Riggins is a Christian and chose to worship his Lord Jesus and his heavenly Father at the Longview First Baptist Church, where he was a member. He was also a member of the Precepts Bible Study Class.
Along the road toward his DDS degree, Dr. Riggins graduated from Tyler HIgh School in 1948, where he was nominated "Most Handsome Boy", attended Tyler Junior College, North Texas State at Denton, Syracuse University in New York where he became fluent in written and spoken Russian, the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, received a BA degree, and finally the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston where he received his DDS degree in 1960. Dr. Riggins opened his dental practice in Longview in 1960 and retired in 2000. He always considered it an honor and a priviledge to be a member of the dental profession. He was a retired life member of the East Texas Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association where he served many years on the Executive Board, and the American Dental Association. He was also a member of the International College of Dentists. His staff and his patients were cherished members of his family.
Dr. Riggins served his country in the USAF Security Service during the Korean War based in Japan decoding Russian communications. He was a Master Mason in Pine Tree Masonic Lodge #1396, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight Templar York Rite Mason and a member of Sharon Shrine Temple.
Dr. Riggins is survived by his wife, FrankieKetchum Parson-Riggins of Longview, and two daughters, Rebecca Riggins of Longview and Rachel Riggins Schuler of Austin, a son-in-law John Schuler, and three granddaughters, Lauren Schuler, Jennifer Schuler, and Michelle Schuler, all of Austin. Joyce House Riggins, the mother of his children. Frankie's children, David Parson of Austin and his son, Noah, and Tracey Parson Welborn, her husband Dayne and their children Brooks and Miranda of Longview.
Richard enjoyed Longhorn football, fishing with his friends, learning to fly, and spending time with his family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Riggins' team of doctors and the ICU nursing staff of Good Shepherd Medical Center for all their compassionate care during his stay.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000; Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or the House of Disciples, P. O. Box 1207, Longview, TX 75606
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