Reverend John William Rigby

Rev. John William Rigby, 85, of Smiths Station, AL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Newnan, GA while surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm EST Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Smiths Station, AL with Rev. Skip Speed and other ministers officiating.  A private interment will follow at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery.  Rev. Rigby will lie in state on Friday beginning at 11:00 am until 8:00 pm EST at Philadelphia Baptist Church; the family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm EST at the church.

Pastor Rigby was born February 6, 1932 in Columbus, GA to the late William Jehu "Jake" Rigby and Lurline Treadaway Rigby.  He was former Minister of Philadelphia Baptist Church and pastored there for 27 plus years. He served in the ministry for a total of 65 years, pastoring churches in Georgia and Alabama as well as 10 years spent in evangelism. 

He is a graduate of Trinity College, Clearwater, Florida, from which he also received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Smith, and a brother, Edward Rigby.

He is survived by his beautiful bride of 64 years, Margie Little Rigby, of Smiths Station, AL, daughter, Gina Joy Rigby-House and husband Mike of McLean, VA, son, John Mark Rigby and wife Barbara of Smiths Station, AL; a sister, Livvia Pearl “Sister” Edenfield of Ellerslie, GA; sister-in-law, Ruby Rigby; grandchildren, Allyson Carter (Johnathan), Ashleigh Tidwell (Patrick), John Jacob "Jake" Rigby, and Ian "Blake" Rigby, 2 great grandchildren, numerous other loving family members, church family, and many-many friends.  Online condolences may be shared at www.vancememorialchapel.net. In lieu of flowers, donations to:

Trinity College, 2430 Welbilt Blvd. Trinity, Florida 34655
Philadelphia Baptist Church 7807 Lee Road 246 Smiths Station, AL 36877 Attn:  missions fund
Southeastern Assistance in Healthcare c/o Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 600 Parkway North Newnan, GA 30265