Richard Lee Rigg

Richard Lee Rigg passed away peacefully 10/22/25, holding hands with his wife and son. Richard lived a service-centered life and loved his faith, family, farming, and flying. He was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, trusted friend, and proud US Veteran.
Richard was born October 31, 1937 to Maynard and Geneva Rigg. His early days were spent helping on the farm and supervising his 3 younger siblings Joe, Ruth Ann, and Don. Richard treasured his relationships with his siblings and worked hard to maintain close connections across the miles and through the years.
Richard attended Southern Illinois University to study agricultural education. He was soon swept off his feet by a country girl named Kathleen Mayberry and by the Air Force ROTC. Following graduation, Richard taught high school agricultural classes until he entered the Air Force yearlong jet flight training program at Laredo AFB, TX where he earned his call sign, "SPORTSCAR." In March 1962, he was assigned to McGuire AFB, NJ to fly C-135 Stratolifter transport jets in the 40th Military Airlift Squadron. He flew numerous missions to Vietnam and earned 3 Campaign Stars. On a return flight to the US from Saigon, Commander Rigg and his crew made history with the 40th Squadron by becoming the first Air Force squadron to have 100,000 incident-free flight hours. After military service, Richard began his 25 year career with Eastern Airlines, retiring as Captain. While juggling a young family and flying commercially, Richard formed Dunwoody Door Lift Company. He always said that because he loved what he did so much, he never felt like he worked a day in his life. Richard's servant heart led him to roles as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and active participant of international mission trips with Dunwoody Baptist Church.
Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen, daughter Gena Jensen (Marty), sons David Rigg (Diana), Kevin Rigg (Jannellen), and grandchildren Gracie Kathleen Craig (Nicholas), and Peter Banks Rigg. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Ann Henager (Alan), brothers Larry Joe Rigg, and Don Rigg (Julie), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on November 20, 2025 at Dunwoody Baptist Church, Dunwoody, GA. Visitation starts at 1:00 pm, the funeral begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to either of the following:
Dunwoody Baptist Youth Missions at Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338.
Lick Prairie Christian Church, c/o Steve Williamson 123 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770)448-5757.