Born in Millry, Alabama, on September 22, 1934, Doug grew up on his family’s cattle farm, where he developed a lifelong love of agriculture. After graduating from Millry High School, he attended Auburn University, earning a degree in Agricultural Education in 1958. Before completing his studies, he married the love of his life, Eva Armstrong, on December 16, 1956.
Doug began his professional career with Kraft Foods and later taught vocational agriculture before joining the Alabama Farmers Federation in 1965. He started as a field service representative and rose steadily through the organization, serving as Young Farmer Director, Director of Field Services, General Manager of Alfa Services, Assistant Executive Director, and ultimately becoming Executive Director of the Federation in January 1999. After a brief retirement, his dedication to agriculture called him back to service, and in 2003 he became Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Alabama.
In addition to his distinguished career, Doug committed countless hours to boards and committees across the state and nation. His service included roles as a State FFA Officer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Mobile, member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, member of the Board of Directors for the National Farm-City Council, Chairman of the PALS (People Against a Littered State) Board, and President of the Auburn Agriculture Alumni Board. In 2000, Doug was inducted into the Auburn University College of Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Doug remained deeply rooted in his faith throughout his life. He served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at First Baptist Church, Montgomery; was an active member of Brookwood Baptist during his years in Birmingham; and maintained a devoted connection to First Baptist Church of Alexander City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jettie Lee and Raleigh Rodrick Rigney, and his sister, Vonciel Rigney Jordan. He is survived by his wife, Eva Armstrong Rigney; his three children, Doug Rigney Jr. (Renita), Allyson Rigney Harris, and Missy Rigney Sexton (Wade); six grandchildren, Erin Rigney Martin (Chase), Cole Rigney (Mandy), Katie Rigney Roberts (Jody), Tripp Harris, Will Sexton (Kristen), and Claire Sexton (Sims); and nine great-grandchildren, with a tenth expected in February 2026.
Visitation will be held at Millry Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. with funeral services in the church immediately following.
Interment will be held in Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama on Thursday, December 4, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
