Charles Edward Riggins

Mr. Charles Edward Riggins, affectionately known as "Bub" and "Charlie", age 75, of 401 Brightwood Church Rd., passed away peacefully Monday, December 28, 2009 at his home after a brief illness. A native of Guilford County, he was the son of the late Wilson Edward Riggins and the late Maryland Younger Riggins and was married for over 56 years to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Kay Young Riggins, who survives. Charles graduated from Gibsonville High School where he was a star athlete. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and he worked for Northern Telecom and retired from Western Electric after 32 years of service. He attended the Gibsonville United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and Lay Leader. He had a tremendous love for people and he visited shut-ins and those in nursing homes for years as part of his personal ministry. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and stepped up to help when given the opportunity to be a blessing to others. In his personal journal when asked how he enjoyed helping people, he wrote, "I enjoy seeing them smile, being lifted up by God's love." In the world's eyes, he may not have been a rich man, but spiritually, his wealth was immeasurable. Charles Riggins learned that true wealth came in knowing the love of Jesus Christ and what it meant to share that love with others. Mr. Riggins is survived by his wife of the home; five children, Beverly Riggins Souther of Gibsonville, James Riggins and his wife, Marcia, of Charlotte, Alison Riggins Folwell and her husband, Darren, of Graham, Alisa Riggins Moser of Gibsonville and Stephen Riggins and his wife, Robin, of Burlington; thirteen grandchildren, Gavan Holden, Nikki Souther, Adam Riggins, Kyle Riggins, Olivia Riggins, Austin Tinsley, Aubrey Tinsley, Sarah Folwell, Joshua Folwell, Cole Moser, LCPL Wesley Fogleman, Caleb Riggins and Stephen "Eli" Riggins; two sisters, Peggy Riggins Hinton and her husband, Robert, of Gibsonville and Betty Riggins of Durham; a brother, Eddie Riggins and his wife, Lorraine, of New Bern; in-laws, James Young and his wife, Pam, of Gibsonville and Faye Young Dennis and her husband, Keith, of Burlington; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Gibsonville United Methodist Church by Rev. Jonathan D. Marlowe, Pastor Alison Folwell and Steve Riggins. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 Thursday afternoon at the church prior to the service and other times at the home. Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Riggins family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gibsonville United Methodist Church, 501 Church St., Gibsonville, NC 27249 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215. You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com