Joe Riggins

Joe Riggins obituary, Fort Smith, AR

Joe Riggins

Joe Riggins Obituary

Published by Legacy on Feb. 27, 2024.
Joseph Eugene Riggins, 76, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Joe was born in Ft. Smith, AR in 1947 to Ralph and Sue Riggins. He graduated from Northside High School in 1965 and retired from Goodyear, the Air National Guard and was currently working for the Sebastian County Election Commission. He was happily married to Sherry for 56 years.
Joe had a love for his Savior, life, music and family. His voice was heard by many as he sang in churches, weddings, funerals and many community events. While in the Air National Guard, he was known as the "Singing Sergeant" and was Assistant Chaplain for the 188th. No one was ever a stranger to him. His smile and laughter could brighten a room. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and singing in the First Baptist Church choir. He was a former member of the Ft. Smith Chorale and one of the hosts of a local TV show. Joe loved spending time with his grandkids. Many hours were spent at baseball and football games, rowing events, dance competitions and swim meets.
Joe is survived by his wife Sherry, his daughter Karen and her husband Sean, and his son Brad, his mom Sue, his brother Dennis Riggins and wife Lana, his sister Cindy Jones and husband Steve. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Evan, Jenna, Will, Olson, Bennett, Emmory, his great-grandchild Alex and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Ft. Smith on Friday, March 1st, 2024, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft Smith on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 609, Ft. Smith, AR 72901. For online donations, go to www.fsfbc.org.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com

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Sign Joe Riggins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 13, 2024

Bill Engles posted to the memorial.

February 29, 2024

Jim & Pat Pendleton posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2024

Jim Neugent posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Bill Engles

March 13, 2024

I knew Joe's family when he was born. He and his family were good friends... I'm so sorry and God bless the family that's left..
Your friend,
Bill Engles

Jim & Pat Pendleton

February 29, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim Neugent

February 27, 2024

I went to school with Joe from 1st grade all the way through high school. It was so easy to make Joe laugh. He was one of the happiest people I´ve ever known.

I sang with him at Ramsey Jr high in Glee Club. (The name "Glee Club" kept a lot of boys out of it ;-). We sang together in a trio for the ninth grade variety show. TUXEDO JUNCTION was the song we sang.

I haven´t seen him in years but my memory of him is with a BIG grin on his face.

I would love to stand next to him in the Heavenly Choir!!

Jim Neugent
Mena Arkansas

Curt Harris

February 27, 2024

He and I went to high school together, along with Sherry. Both are wonderful people...then he and I joined the Air National Guard about the same time. I will always remember him for his laughter and always smiling....Curt Harris

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Edwards Funeral Home

201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901

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Sign Joe Riggins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 13, 2024

Bill Engles posted to the memorial.

February 29, 2024

Jim & Pat Pendleton posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2024

Jim Neugent posted to the memorial.