Richard E. Riggins

Richard Eugene Riggins, 87, of St. Petersburg, passed away on December 6, 2015. He was born to Carl and Marie (Kobel) Riggins on September 15, 1928, in Champaign Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois, and during that time was recalled into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Rich enjoyed a long and successful career in the newspaper industry with retirement in 1993 from the St. Pete Times as Classified Advertising Manager. He was honored to serve as President of ANCAM. Rich was a longtime member of St. Petersburg Country Club (Lakewood), served on the board of directors and volunteered his help on many occasions. He was a member of the Southern Senior Golf Association as well as Florida Seniors.He was a terrific husband, incredible father, dynamite card player, enthusiastic bowler and an avid golfer. Rich enjoyed traveling with Susan to new venues for golfing and fun.Rich is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Susan; children Cheryl Smallwood, Vicki Smith, Debbie Baldwin, and sons Mike, Jeff, and Pat, and their spouses; stepdaughter Antonia Ness, fifteen grandchildren and sixteen great grands, and many extended family members and friends; and acknowledgement to Dr. Michael Smith, who provided loving care till the end for his father in law.Rich was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Earl and Paul, and the mother of their six children, Dolores. All were loved and all are missed.A celebration of all that was Rich will be held at St. Petersburg Country Club, 2000 Country Club Way, St. Pete, 33712 on December 19, (Saturday) 2 - 4 p.m.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. Please visit www.memorial-donations.org.