Edward E. Rigsby

Edward Earl Rigsby, 88, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. He was known as Earl to most and was born August 7, 1929 in Beaumont, Texas, to the late Elizabeth and Earl Rigsby.

Earl served his country proudly as a member of the military police in the Army, he was an expert marksman and also a weapons instructor during his service. Upon leaving the military, Earl owned C&C Reloading and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Earl was on the Board of Directors and a member of the Golden Triangle Gun Club, a member of Woodmen of the World, and a lifetime member of the NRA.

His discovery of the love and Grace of Christ was something that truly changed his life. He studied and read the bible on a daily basis and passionately wanted to share the message of the deep love Jesus has FOR US.

In his later years, he was always working on a project in his shop. From making wooden cutting board pigs for everyone in the family, to designing a custom wooden cradle for one of his great-grandchildren. Earl often showed his love to others with handmade creations. Known as “Grandpa” to so many, he loved sneaking food both for himself and the grandkids and it wasn’t uncommon to find donuts hidden in his shop. We are pretty sure he is up in heaven fishing, hunting, camping or taking a nap.

Earl is survived by his wife, Avis Stevie Rigsby; daughter Chriss Kidwell; sons, William (Debbie) Rigsby, Michael (Ragena) Rigsby, and Matthew (Sharon) Rigsby; grandchild Shawn (Sarah) Kidwell, Andrea (Brandon) Slaydon, Nicki LaRocca, Stella Greer, Matthew Phillips, Michele Rigsby, Amanda (Lane) Utkov, Victoria Mitchell, Olivia Rigsby; and great-grandchildren Addie Rose Kidwell, Charlotte Kidwell, Claire Slaydon, Daisy Slaydon, Trent Greer, Jackson Utkov and Max Utkov. Earl also has many nieces, nephews & loved ones he leaves behind.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Anne Coward, Bette Plaisance and brother Douglas Rigsby; also grandchildren Erik Rigsby and Katie Phillips.

A Celebration of Earl's Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas.