James Kendall Riggs

James Kendall “JK” Riggs, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on December 7, 1935, he was the son of the late James Kendall Riggs, Sr. and Rosa Harrison Riggs. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Angie Riggs.

JK was born in Tarboro, NC. He graduated from Tarboro High School as a football star and Edgecombe Technical Institute with an associate’s degree in applied sciences. JK served in the Air Force for 2 ½ years and retired from the Navy after 29 ½ years. JK began working for Security Forces as a security guard for several years after retirement. He married Brenda on August 1, 1998. He is remembered by his family as an honorable and loving husband, father, and grandfather. JK was a very witty individual who loved his family and his God more than anything. He was an active and dedicated member of Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.

JK leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife, Brenda Riggs; three daughters, Debbie Cannon; Kimberly Bundy and husband, Pat; and Tina Hardison and husband, Shelton; four step-children, Beverly Elks; Christopher Bridgers and wife, Emma; Keith Bridgers, and Amy Page; niece, Betty Joyce Hawley; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. David Proctor and Rev. Allen Mills officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Grace Free Will Baptist Church, 509 Kingston Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27803.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.