Earl Haskell Rigsby, 98, a Columbia resident and Van Buren County native was born March 19, 1920 and passed away Jan. 13 at Maury Regional Medical Center following a short illness.

He was a World War II veteran of the United States Army, retired contractor, member of Mt. Elim Baptist Church and son of the late Fred Harold and Hallie Etta Pack Rigsby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife, Alyne McCoy Rigsby in 1993; second wife Nancy Roberts Rigsby in 2016; daughter Mary Etta Martin in 2005; and grandson Scott Austin Rigsby in 1971.

Mr. Rigsby is survived by children and spouses, Don and Bonnie Rigsby of Smithville, Larry Rigsby of Spencer, Benny Rigsby of Sparta, William Harold “Bill” and Cristina Rigsby of Wartburg, and Annette and John Hatfield of Columbia; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers Harold Rigsby of the Bone Cave community and Fred Rigsby Jr. of the Rocky River community; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at High’s Chapel with Don Rigsby and Willard Ralph Jr. to officiate. Interment will follow at Long Cemetery with military grave rites conducted by the Tennessee Air National Guard. Visitation will be 9 a.m. Wednesday until the time of service at High’s. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Elim Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 16, 2019