David A. Rigsby

David Andrews Rigsby, 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, March 16th after a short illness at St. Luke’s Hospital. David was born December 3, 1922, in Bowling Green, Ky. One of the “Greatest Generation”, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 at the age of 18. He was shipped to England as a member of the 1308 Core of Engineers in preparation for the allied invasion of Europe. By the time he returned home at the age of 22 in 1945, he had participated in the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge in the European theatre, as well as the campaign for Okinawa in the Pacific theatre. Upon his return, he married his hometown sweetheart, Anne Moulder, and resumed his college career with a Bachelor of Science at what was then Western Kentucky State College. He advanced to a Masters of Science in Education at the University of Kentucky. Interrupted by a call back to service during the Korean War, David enjoyed a 40+ year career in education. He taught at Appalachian State University, before becoming the Director of Vocational Education for Duval County in 1970. He retired from this position in 1988. He was a beloved and respected teacher, who maintained friendships with his students over decades, often until their own retirement. His passions were his family, his cabinet making (he was a master furniture and bracelet maker), his friends, and sports, especially Jacksonville sports. He is preceded in death by a son, Craig, veteran of the U.S. Special Forces. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 66 years, his son, David, of Fairfax, Virginia, and two granddaughters, Sara and Isabelle, both of Fairfax, Virginia. A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 19th at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL, where the family will receive visitors one hour prior. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David A. Rigsby Scholarship Endowment, Appalachian State University, Donor Services, ASU Box 32007, Boone, N.C. 28608. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025