Dr. William W. Riggs, age 75, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Riggs was born in Illinois in 1945. After graduating from high school, in Fremont, California, Dr. Riggs attended The Citadel, in Charleston, SC. It was there where he formed lifelong friendships with many classmates. You guys know who you are and he treasured your friendships. Following his graduation, he became a proud and distinguished United States Marine. Dr. Riggs fought in the Vietnam war and was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart among numerous other citations. He eventually retired after achieving the rank of Major. Not one to sit around, Dr. Riggs began a new career in Academia. He earned his Doctorate from The University of New Orleans. He subsequently taught at Texas A&M in Laredo, where he was an Associate Professor, Department Chair of the Political Science Department, and Head of the Faculty Senate. Dr. Riggs was an avid scholar, a patron of the arts, traveler, golfer, and walker of Daisy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris Riggs; brothers, Mickey and Ronnie Riggs, and his granddaughter Isabella.
Dr. Riggs is survived by his loving wife and friend for 60 years, Dr. Karen Henderson; sons, William Riggs, Jr. (Jada )and Christopher Riggs (Tina); step-sons, Christopher Dixon (Alexis) and Matthew Dixon (Amy); 4 sisters, Penney Tyler (Mike), Sandra McQueen (Wes), Sherri Pechloff (Steve) and Christina Meyer (Scott); 3 grandchildren, Tyler Riggs, Deven Riggs and Kaylee Riggs; step-grandchild, Madison Dixon.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at FT. Sam Houston National Cemetery
Posted in: Sun Herald
Posted on: 2021-03-05
Link to original obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?n=william-w-riggs&pid=197933614&fhid=5701