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1924
2014
Another of the Greatest Generation has died. Cledus Warren Riggs, aged 89, passed away June 25, 2014, and was at peace with God and all men. He was born in the Riggs family home in Caraway, Ark., on Oct. 2, 1924, to his parents, Harry and Vera Riggs, now deceased. Cledus was one of 11 brothers and sisters born to his parents and was reared on the family farm in Caraway.
Cledus served in the Army Air Corps in Goose Bay, Labrador, during and after World War II. After the war, he returned to Caraway, opened and owned two country grocery stores. After visiting Florida in 1958, he moved his family from Arkansas to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1960 to provide better opportunities for his family. Being a self-employed entrepreneur his entire life, he opened and ran several successful businesses before retiring. He was a man among men.
Cledus served for years as a deacon in the Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ. His great-grandfather fought in the Civil War; his father served in the U.S. Army during World War I; Cledus and his brother CL, served in World War II; four other brothers served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s and early 1960s and his son Michael served in the U.S. Army Special Forces in Vietnam and Alaska. Cledus and his brother, CL, were honored to go on the May 2010 "Honor Flight" to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial. The highlight of their trip was the reception that they received from the community when they returned to Fort Walton Beach.
While he lived in Florida the bulk of his life and felt Florida gave he and his family their best opportunities, his heart remained in Arkansas, always rooting for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; three brothers; and one grandson. He leaves a loving wife of 65 years, Betty June; son, Michael Riggs and wife Kathy; son, Stephen Riggs and wife Susan; son, Mark Riggs and wife Joy; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; four brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ, beginning at 10 a.m., with Jeff Custer, Minister, officiating. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., on June 27, 2014, at the Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ. In addition, a time of visitation will also be held on Saturday, one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery immediately after the funeral.
The family gives special thanks to caregivers Johnny Kelso and Harry Steck.
Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze, Fla. You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Betty and Family.
Cledus will be greatly missed but you know
he is in Heaven and suffering no more.
Marilyn Simpson
Marilyn Simpson
June 29, 2014
May Dadu's light & spirit be an inspiration to all of us & shine on forever. God Bless.
Catherine Rigney-Harley
June 27, 2014
We are so sorry about the passing of Dadu. You all are in our prayers and thoughts during this time. He was such a nice man and we are so glad that we were able to meet him through our daughter-in-law, Kathryn.
We will continue to pray for the entire family. Love Fred and Christy Young
Fred & Christy Young
June 27, 2014
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