Mr. Forrest Bailey Riggs

He was born and raised on the family farm in Yoakum, TX to parents Ethel May and Elihu Riggs. As a boy he worked on the family farm and was in charge of the flock of turkeys. He also helped farm their tomatoes which left him with no desire to eat a tomato for the rest of his life. The same could not be said for the turkeys!

After high school, he attended business school in Corpus Christi, TX. When he began looking for a job after graduating, he literally walked a hole in his shoe! He found a job and started working, but within two days one of the employers he had spoken to contacted him and wanted Forrest to come work for him. Forrest told him he had already accepted a position but they would not take no for an answer and doubled his compensation so he would come to work for him!

He began working for the Borden Company in Corpus Christi in 1947 and worked his way up to Office Manager. He met Janice Tilloson at Borden’s and they married in 1954. They were married until her unexpected passing. He was transferred to Midland in 1969 and, after 35 years with Borden’s, retired in 1981.

Forrest enjoyed playing golf in his spare time, but his first and enduring passion was bowling. He was an avid bowler and won numerous awards and tournaments. Fellow bowlers dubbed him “Trees”, a nickname that would last the rest of his life. He bowled until the age of 95, when he decided it was time to hang up the bowling shoes.

Through the grace of God, Forrest met Peggy Bradley at a concert they attended with the St. Paul’s UMC singles group. Peggy asked him out for coffee and before long they were making their own music together! They fell in love and married on February 14, 1981.

In 1982 he and Peggy bought Midland Package Delivery Service. They owned and operated the business until they retired in 1993. He loved talking to their customers and people they met while delivering mail and packages. Once they retired, they decided to travel. They went on multiple cruises and trips, and especially enjoyed their trip to Hawaii.

Forrest made time to give back to his community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels. He was heavily involved in the Midland Westside Lions Club and served as President and Treasurer. Among the many awards he garnered was the “Life Membership Award”, as well as the bronze “Vision Fellowship Award” from the Texas Lions Club Eyeglass Center. The most notable of Lions awards he received was the “Texas Lions Foundation Fellow” which recognizes outstanding contributors to the Lions Foundation, one of the Lions highest honors! He and Peggy were active in their church, and enjoyed being part of the “Keenagers” group.

Forrest is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Raymond and sister Eulalie, and daughter Vickie Williams. He is survived by daughters Vaughn Bradley and Valerie Pieper, grandchildren Miranda Williamson, Ali Williams and Dylan Williams, and great granddaughters, Ellie Hoffman and Charlotte Gregory. Former sons-in-law, Ron Pieper and Brad Williams, remained close to him as well.

Visitation will be held Friday December 2, 2022 at Ellis Funeral Home, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday December 3rd at 1:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home chapel, with a reception to follow.

The family wishes to thank his caregiver Lori D. for being so lovingly devoted to Forrest during the last 2 1/2 years of his life. The family wishes to thank Suki C. for her long-time compassionate care as well. Thanks also goes to Keisha, Christina, and Leana with HomeCare Plus, and Gloria M. for their caring services.

The family sends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Odessa Hospice, nurse Melanie and Pastor Skip for their advice, support, and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Forrest’s name can be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church or charity of your choice.