Joe Thomas Riggan

Mr. Joe Thomas Riggan, 87, a resident of Greensboro died Monday morning May 23, 2011 at his residence after having poor health for a number of years. In April 2004, he was a patient at Duke University Hospital where he had a heart valve replacement which prolonged his life.

A native of Raleigh, he was born February 13, 1924 on West Lane St., a son of James Michael and Susan Mary Haynes Riggan, also Raleigh natives.

Joe was a professional entertainer – piano/vocal. He started out in his hometown playing all the clubs, theaters and any place anybody would listen. In 1950 he and Ray Hollingsworth (another performer) decided to come to Greensboro and audition for Fred Koury, the owner of the Plantation Supper Club. Fred hired both of them. Very soon Ray left for the Army. Fred promised Joe he would help him get an agent. He did and Joe went with Allied Artist out of Atlanta, GA after a 26 week engagement at the Plantation Supper Club. Joe performed at the Plantation with Burt Massengale and his Orchestra backing his act. Joe made Greensboro his home base and would play all the states and continue playing the Plantation anytime when he was available.

In the early 50’s Joe was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He went for treatment at the VA Hospital at Oteen, NC, where he stayed almost two years. The doctors advised him to modify his livelihood. No traveling and working so hard while he was entertaining. He got a job with the ABC Board in Greensboro. He worked there for 22 years before retiring on disability. He was the first manager of the Muir’s Chapel Rd. Store and later other stores.

Joe was a Life Member of Professional Musicians, American Federation of Musicians, local 500 Musicians Union and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #20.

A veteran of WW II serving in the US Army, Joe served in the infantry for 19 months and later joined the paratroopers. He got his wings and qualified as a parachutist at Fort Benning, GA.

He was a member of Cross Pointe Church in Greensboro.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carol Nix Perkins; sisters, Louise Jordan, Roxie Hatchell, Virginia Horton and his brother, Jimmy Riggan.

On August 3, 1983 he was married to the former Freda Pauline Absher who survives of the home. Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are, one daughter, Janet Petty Chandler and husband Alan of Greensboro; four grandchildren, John Steven Nix, Thomas Scott Nix, Jordan Matthew Chandler, Joshua Dylan Chandler; great grandchildren, Miranda, Tanner, Gavin, Sydney, Conner; one niece, Betsy Markowski and husband Mel; nephews, Hank Jordan, Jim Hatchell and wife Nancy and cousins, Al Prince and wife Gail, Buddy Horton and wife Patsy and Dr. Henry Creech and wife Valorie who gave Joe and the family constant support during his time of illness.

The family would like to give thanks to Dr. Sam LeBauer and Dr. Paula Ross for their many years of care and kindness given to Joe and his family.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel conducted by the Reverend Dr. Jeffrey J. Smith. Interment will follow in Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The family request that any memorials be made to Cross Pointe Church, 1806 Merritt Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 or to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405

Online audio and written condolences can be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com