William Burkett Riggs

William Burkett Riggs, born on January 17, 1925, in Somerset, Texas, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on November 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love. He was the son of Lillie Pearl Burkett and Willis J. Riggs, Sr. He knew Jesus as his Savior and is in the presence of the Lord.

Burkett faced challenges growing up as one of seven children during the Great Depression. Earning $1 per day was a testament to the difficult economic circumstances during that time. Despite the hardships, his commitment to hard work, such as milking cows all day, reflected resilience and determination.

On March 23, 1943, shortly after turning 18 years of age, Burkett joined the United States Navy, went through boot camp in San Diego, and was transferred to North Island Naval Air Station, CA. He was assigned to the Torpedo Squadron 40 (VT-40) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Suwannee serving in the South Pacific. He was a parachute rigger known as “Riggs the Rigger” and was responsible for the ship’s safety and survival gear. One of his parachutes saved a downed pilot and, on another occasion, he saved a burning crew member from an aircraft that exploded on deck. His exceptional bravery earned him the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars. He played a pivotal role as a charter member of the first reserve unit organized in San Antonio at the conclusion of WWII. Burkett was honorably discharged March 17, 1946.

A true patriot and a man of honor, Burkett was a charter member of various esteemed organizations, including the Naval Memorial & World War II National Monument, the National D-Day Museum (America's National World War II Museum), and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation World War II Museum of the People. He carried a lifetime membership with the USS Suwannee Association, the Parachute Riggers Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Burkett married the love of his life, Loyce Isenhour on February 24, 1946, at First Baptist Church- San Antonio, Dr. Perry F. Webb officiating. They had wonderful memories of gathering with family, friends, and grandaughters. They loved to travel the United States and cruise the world. They were avid Baylor football season ticket holders for several years. Burkett attended the first (1950) and last (2013) last games at Baylor/Floyd Casey Stadium as well as the opening of McLane Stadium. Some of their favorite times were when they would spend extended summers at their cabin in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado.

Burkett went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman in May 1946. He climbed the ranks, becoming a construction foreman in less than two years. His journey continued in the equipment room, working as a switchman and chief switchman. In the last 13 years of his career, he served as a building staff supervisor in the Building Operation Department. He retired in March 1985 and was a proud life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, expressing deep pride in his company and its accomplishments.

Burkett and Loyce had one son, Michael Wade. Burkett became a coach for Mike’s NW YMCA football and baseball teams and ended up remaining football coach for 13 years. He and his brother (Shorty) coached a team that was unscored on for the entire season. He made many great memories traveling to Monterey, Mexico with his team and coaches annually to play down there. Burkett would gather the neighborhood kids to play a game of sandlot football or baseball. He was the dad that was always present for his son. Countless fond memories were made including raising Boxer puppies, family vacations, hunting, and attending football games.

Burkett proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. His commitment and contributions earned him the role of Command Master Chief of the 8th Naval District, where he received the Navy Commendation Medal. He retired from the U. S. Naval Reserve in 1985.

Beyond his professional achievements, Burkett cherished the outdoors, finding solace in the serenity of the mountains. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the camaraderie of fellow hunters, often sharing these experiences with his son and several nephews and nephews-in-law.

Burkett is survived by his wife of 77 years, Evelyn Loyce Isenhour Riggs; son, Michael Wade Riggs and his wife, Leslyn Riggs; granddaughters, Ashley Riggs, Abbey Riggs Rzepecki and her husband, 1st Lt. Jack Rzepecki (USAF); along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to personally thank caregiver, Paulette Johnson, for her loving kindness and excellent care of Burkett (and Loyce).

Burkett Riggs was a member of First Baptist Church of San Antonio since April 1946 and will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his love for family and friends, his patriotism and faith, and his appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions to his community and country will forever be honored.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

INTERMENTTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 20239:45 A.M.FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH ROADCLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERMENT FOR MR. WILLIAM BURKETT RIGGS

MEMORIAL SERVICETHURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 202311:00 A.M.WILSON CHAPELFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH515 MCCULLOUGH AVENUECLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MR. WILLIAM BURKETT RIGGS

RECEPTION/LUNCHTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 202312:00 P.M.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH515 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Hill Country Youth Ranch, 3522 Junction Hwy, Ingram TX 78025, or First Baptist Church – San Antonio Television Ministry, fbcsa.org/giving.