David Albert Riggs

David Albert Riggs, 93, passed away peacefully December 27, 2025. Born April 13, 1932, in Duff, Tennessee, he was a man who loved his Lord, his wife of 63 years, and his family well. He was a beloved Papaw to all.

David’s beginnings were humble; his father was a coal miner. Though they didn’t have much, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid basketball player in high school and played for a year at Eastern Kentucky University. He then transferred to East Tennessee State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in education. David served his country in the Army; part of his service included teaching orphans in Japan the game of basketball. He taught physical education and driver’s education at Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida. His love of cars developed as a teenager and was a guiding force in owning and operating a used car dealership in Tampa. David’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ was evident in his business dealings. He helped many purchase vehicles who otherwise would not have been able to and was given the nickname “Preacher Dave”. He served and honored his Lord as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon, a lay minister, and at 50 years of age he entered full-time ministry pastoring churches in Florida and Tennessee.

Daivd will be remembered for loving his Savior Jesus Christ. He openly and regularly shared the Good News with others so that they could receive God’s gift of salvation. His generous love was a blessing to his wife; it was and still is to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He appreciated time spent with God and his church family and enjoyed fishing, watching sports, and travel. He loved “fishing for men” even more than fishing for the “big one”.

David is survived by his son David Riggs, daughter-in-law Konny Riggs, and daughter Libby (David) Appelo.

Grandchildren – Davina (Scott) Adelhardt, David (Johanna) Riggs III, Adam (Kaitlyn) Riggs, Andrew Riggs, Alex (Amelia – Faith) Riggs, Olivia (Jason) Robinson, Hannah (Joe) Walliser, David Appelo, and Jonathan (Kimberlee) Appelo.

Great-grandchildren – Tyler Adelhardt, Katarina (Charlie) Lawrence, Zoe (Dylan) Hickman, David IV, Elizabeth, Charis, Rebekah, Victoria, Jonathan, Clara, Bruno, Cady, Vivi, and Juni Riggs, and Walker Appelo.

Great-great-grandchildren – Chase Adelhardt and Maverick Lawrence.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Hannah Riggs, brother J.C. Riggs, parents Alvin and Minnie Riggs, daughter Joy Riggs, and grandson Austin Riggs.

A service with military honors will take place at 2:00PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tidewell Hospice Inc.