William Ray Riggs was born December 14, 1942 in Fort Worth, Texas to parents Edward Yutzy and Christine (McGarity) Riggs and entered eternal rest on February 20, 2020 in Kemp, Texas at the age of 77.
"Bill", as he was known by most, started working when he was eight years old. He stitched leather-works, threw a paper called the Shopper on Sundays and worked for the Forest Park Swimming Pool in Fort Worth. The family moved to Oklahoma City during Bill's sophomore year, where he attended North East High School. He avoided the draft by staying in college at Central State College where he earned a Math degree in 1966. After college Bill immediately enlisted in the Air Force and selected to be a cook, but they made him a medic, where he learned how to be a masseur in medical training. Bob Hope gave him an autographed photo after receiving a massage from him. Bill saw a lot of injuries from Vietnam so he was sent to England to finish his Air Force career. He then returned to Central State College on the GI Bill and received a Sociology Degree. He married DiAnn Smith in 1969 in Oklahoma City, OK. Bill was active with Boy Scouts, was an AA sponsor scheduled to receive his 30 year AA Chip on April 12, 2020. Bill was a good man who loved teasing, joking and helping people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister Charlotte Riggs, wife DiAnn Smith and stepdaughter Jennifer Ney.
He is survived by stepson Marshal Ney of Arkansas, sister Isabelle Riggs Edens and spouse Ben of Kemp, niece Raylene Lee of Springfield, MO, cousin Frances Ray Maestas and spouse Jacob of Sarasota, FL, other loving family members and many friends.
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