William Allen Rigney

William Rigney Obituary

William Allen Rigney, 44, of Boones Mill, Va., and formerly of the Snow Creek Community passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009, in Lewis-Gale Hospital after a courageous battle with colon cancer. He fought this battle with great determination and faith. Allen has gone to Heaven to join his dad, William Claude Rigney (Junior), who preceded him in death on October 15, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Claude and Nannie Rigney, Cecil and Ruth Fralin. Allen is survived by his mother, Mildred Rigney, and was the light of her life. He is also survived by two special sisters and brothers-in-law, Drema and Michael Bowles, of Charlottesville, and Linda and John Hutchinson, of Roanoke. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, one nephew, Shane Bowles; two nieces, Tess and Hannah Bowles; a special canine friend, Roscoe; and several aunts, uncles and cousins also remain. Allen was employed at Lowe's in Roanoke until he became ill. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan, with favorite drivers being Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. He was truly a "Chevrolet" man. Allen thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends, all of whom appreciated his "tell it like it is" personality and wonderful sense of humor. He also loved his church and was an active member of Calvary Assembly of God in Sydnorsville. The family wishes to thank Dr. William Fintel and his wonderful staff at the Blue Ridge Cancer Center and those on the 6th floor of Lewis-Gale Medical Center for the special care and comfort they provided during his illness. They truly became like family to Allen and his mother. Also a very special thank you to Nina Bowles for her unending love and support shown to Allen and his family. Allen's absence will be felt by many and he will be greatly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, from Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Chapel with Pastors Etholene Johnson and Ronald Coleman officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Allen's memory. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 140 Floyd Avenue, Rocky Mount, Va., 540-483-5533.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Rigney

8 Entries

Doyle, Annette, & Alecia Akers

April 11, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Jeanneane Davidson

April 11, 2009

Mildred, Dreama, Linda, and Family
Your family has lost another dear one. May God give you extra strength & comfort during this sorrowful time. Your wonderful memories of Allen will ease your pain, because you can't help but smile when you think of Allen. You all are in our prayers.
With Deep Sympathy
Jerry & Jeanneane Davidson

Karen Meiss, Lowe's 664

April 9, 2009

Allen will be missed, I'll always remember his smile at work and the kind words he alway had for his co-workers at Lowe's. Know that Allen is a true Angle is heaven.

April 8, 2009

Mildred, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hated that I could not come to visitation, but I wanted you to let you know how sorry I was to hear about Allen. I had to start chemo on Monday and doctors told me not to get in crowds.Thinking of you, Garland

Cathy Thurman

April 7, 2009

Mildred, Drema & Linda - - Our family has been through so many hard times the past few years, but for you Mildred, I know this is the toughest. Always try to remember how much faith Allen had and how accepting and at peace he was with everything he had to face. He is still with people that love him, just in a better place than here on earth. I know that Junior, Grandma, Papa and Mama were waiting to welcome him with wide open arms. He is rejoicing with them and the Lord! I love you all.

Danna Duncan

April 7, 2009

Sincere sympathy to Mildred, Dreama, & Linda. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know Allen but have heard so many wonderful stories from Mildred because of our working together. My heart is with you Mildred. I love you.

Sue F. George

April 7, 2009

Sincere sympathy to Mildred, Dreama , & Linda. Your loss is Heaven's gain. I pray God will surround you with his great love and comfort.

stevie turner

April 6, 2009

i feel like i lost a brother!!! mildred i am so sorry for all your loses the past few months!! allen was a bighearted boy/man & everyone always liked/loved him! i will never forget the times we spent together !!! love you mildred & if i can ever do anything for you let me know !! stevie turner

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