Ernest Lee Riggs

Ernest Lee Riggs, 93, of Reelsboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 02, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Ernest was a devoted husband to his late wife, Mildred Purifoy Riggs, for 70 years. He and Mildred had three children. He was a caring father to each of them as well as a caring grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather to his grandchildren. Ernest lived a life rooted in hard work and devotion to those he loved. He was the breadwinner of his family. Everyone was welcome in his home.

Ernest was born in Onslow County, but at an early age moved to Pamlico County. In 1947, he started working for Mr. Oscar Krechel who decided to open a grain and feed mill on Highway 55 in Grantsboro, Krechel’s Grain mill. When Mr. Krechel retired, Ernest and his son Edward took over the business, and it became Riggs and Son Mill. Ernest would make custom feed for livestock in the early days, grinding hay and corn for farmers in Pamlico and surrounding counties. As the years passed, Ernest continued to sell chicken and dog food and looked forward to seeing his faithful customers. He had the reputation of selling some of the best sweet potatoes around. Ernest would have customers come to the mill during the holidays and load their cars full of sweet potatoes to take back with them to their homes as far away as New York. He refused to retire. He continued to work until he couldn’t go any more. He was a fixture there for almost 78 years.

Ernest was preceded in death by his precious wife as 70 years, Mildred Purifoy Riggs and his son, Edward Lee Riggs, Sr.

Ernest is survived by his daughters, Bessie Riggs Rice and Shirley Riggs Allen; his daughter-in-law, Rosemary Edwards Riggs; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

The visitation will be held Thursday, January 08, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home in Alliance, NC. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 9th, 2026 @ 2:00 pm at the Bridgeton Cemetery on Half Moon Road in Bridgeton, NC. Please bring a lawn chair for the service if needed as there will be limited seating for the immediate family.