Van Riggs

Martin Van Riggs, Jr., 96, left this world after a short illness to go to his eternal heavenly home to be with Jesus on April 6, 2021. He was a charter member of the North Hixson Church of God. He loved to garden and share it with his family and friends. Van was an accomplished brick and stonemason. He even helped build several churches. He created and built stone waterfalls in two church baptisteries. Van loved his family dearly and his wife of 76 years, Ruth. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to eat at his favorite restaurant, Home Folks and talk to his longtime friend and owner, Rick Hall.

A special thank you to Rick Hall for his friendship and generosity to him and his wife. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and church family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Riggs, Sr. and Bessie Riggs; brother, Wayne Riggs; sisters, Oreida Fulghum, Juanita Carroll; and son-in-law, Robert (Bob) Forrest.

Survivors are his wife of 76 years, Ruth Riggs; son, Gene (Aggie) Riggs; daughters, Judy Forrest, Brenda (Jesse) Creasman and Janice (Lloyd) McEachern; ten grandchildren, as well as several great and great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at North Hixson Church of God on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Services will follow at the church at 11:45 a.m. with Rev. Rick Smith, his favorite pastor for the past 22 years, presiding.

Interment will follow in Hamilton County Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Eric Riggs, Ron Cox, Daniel Smith, Austin Smith, Michael McEachern, Brett McEachern and Dillon Walker.

Due to COVID protocols, the family requests that masks be worn during visitation.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com

Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.