Cledus Riggs

Another of the Greatest Generation has died. Cledus Warren Riggs, aged 89, passed away June 25, 2014, and was at peace with God and all men. He was born in the Riggs family home in Caraway, Arkansas on October 2, 1924, to his parents, Harry and Vera Riggs, now deceased. Cledus, was one of 11 brothers and sisters born to his parents and was reared on the family farm in Caraway, Arkansas. Cledus served in the Army Air Corps in Goose Bay, Labrador during and after World War II. After the war, he returned to Caraway, opened and owned two country grocery stores. After visiting Florida in 1958, he moved his family from Arkansas to Ft. Walton Beach in 1960 to provide better opportunities for his family. Being a self-employed entrepreneur his entire life, he opened and ran several successful businesses before retiring. He was a man among men. Cledus served for years as a deacon in the Ft. Walton Beach Church of Christ. His great-grandfather fought in the Civil War; his Father served in the US Army during WW I; Cledus and his brother CL, served in WW II; four other brothers served in the US Army in the 1950s and early 1960s and his son Michael served in the US Army Special Forces in Vietnam and Alaska. Cledus and his brother, CL were honored to go on the May 2010 "Honor Flight" to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial. The highlight of their trip was the reception that they received from the community when they returned to Ft. Walton Beach. While he lived in Florida the bulk of his life and felt Florida gave he and his family their best opportunities, his heart remained in Arkansas, always rooting for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, three brothers and one grandson. He leaves a loving wife of 65 years, Betty June, son Michael Riggs and wife Kathy, son Stephen Riggs and wife Susan, son Mark Riggs and wife Joy, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Ft. Walton Beach Church of Christ beginning at 10:00 AM with Jeff Custer, Minister, officiating. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on June 27, 2014 at the Ft. Walton Beach Church of Christ. In addition, a time of visitation will also be held on Saturday, one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery immediately after the funeral. The family gives special thanks to caregivers Johnny Kelso and Harry Steck.

Visitation

Visitation

Church of Christ at Fort Walton Beach
232 Hollywood Blvd., NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548
Friday, June 27, 2014
6:00 PM

Visitation

Church of Christ at Fort Walton Beach
232 Hollywood Blvd., NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548
Saturday, June 28, 2014
9:00 AM

Service

Funeral Service

Church of Christ at Fort Walton Beach
232 Hollywood Blvd., NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548
Saturday, June 28, 2014
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Burial

Beal Memorial Cemetery
316 NW Beal Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548