Robert Dunn Rigsby Atlanta, Georgia Obituary

Robert Dunn Rigsby

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After several years of decline from ALS, Robert Rigsby died at home in Dunwoody on Friday, August 5, 2022. He had remained as active as possible, fighting the illness, and was full of faith and love until the end. He was 75. Robert&rsquo;s daughter, Catherine Rigsby Wile, and his wife, Lynda Wingo Rigsby, were with him when he passed.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Robert was born on August 24, 1946 in Evergreen, Alabama to James Benjamin and Thelma Dunn Rigsby. Graduating from Evergreen High School in 1964, he was the vice-president of his senior class and lettered in football. Following that, he was the manager of the football team at Auburn University where he graduated in 1969. Always the Southern gentleman, Robert was a devoted Kappa Alpha throughout his life.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With a degree in textile engineering, Robert worked in the carpet industry, primarily as a sales representative with Beaulieu of America based in Dalton, Georgia. He was married to his college sweetheart, Jane Alyce Woodson for 35 years, until her death in 2006. He shared many good times with their daughter, Catherine, during her Indian Princess years (now called the YMCA Adventure Guides Program) as well as hikes and weekend adventures along the Chattahoochee River.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In 2010, Robert attended a wedding brunch for a close friend married to one of his fraternity brothers. It was there he met Lynda Thompson Wingo whose husband, David, had died in 2007. After a five-year courtship they married in 2015 and began enjoying family trips to their getaway house at Lake Burton and to Perdido Bay where they kept up close relationships to Jane Alyce&rsquo;s brothers and their wives. They had a particularly memorable trip to national parks in the west with her brother, Ken, and his wife, Jackie.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Robert was known to be a big hugger who loved social gatherings, whether at church or parties. He was kind and patient, loved classic country and Motown music. Always optimistic and outgoing, Robert was an upbeat warrior against ALS and as recently as last winter he was doing figure eights in his power scooter, waving to all as he passed by. Buddy, as he was known to his grandchildren, was an eager participant and photographer of the annual Jojo and Buddy Camp weeks each summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>He was an active member of Les Marmitons (&ldquo;chef&rsquo;s helpers&rdquo;), an international men&rsquo;s cooking club with chapters throughout the world. Robert and group of about 30 men in the Sandy Springs chapter, met monthly to enjoy cooking and eating fine food, accompanied by good wines. At home, he was particularly known for his collard greens, though no two batches ever turned out the same, likely through his &ldquo;Robertizing&rdquo; recipes which he was known to do.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Robert is survived by his wife, Lynda Thompson Wingo Rigsby, and his daughter Catherine Rigsby Wile, her husband, Chip, and their three children: twin boys, Woodson and Rigsby, and daughter, Jane Alyce, all of Ormond Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his Lynda&rsquo;s sons: Charles Justin Wingo, his wife, Maggie, and their two children, Gaines and McLean, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Thomas Candler Wingo and his wife, Kelli, of Sugar Hill, Georgia. Maintaining a close relationship with his first wife&rsquo;s family, he is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Rigsby of Evergreen; and his brother-in-laws, Ken Woodson (Jackie) and John Woodson (Melissa) of Alabama. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife, Jane Alyce Woodson Rigsby (2006), and his older brother, James Conrad Rigsby.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Robert was an active and devoted member of the Church at Wieuca where he had served as a deacon, taught Sunday and Vacation Bible Schools. There will be a service in the Chapel there at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10 followed by a visitation with family in the Heritage Room; 3626 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting the fight against this cruel disease with a donation to the ALS Association, Georgia Chapter: 5881 Glenridge Drive, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30328.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>
August 24, 1946 - August 5, 202208/24/194608/05/2022
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Robert

An environmentally friendly option
G
Gene Glass
December 9, 2022
I am saddened to hear this news. Robert was our lifeguard at the Evergreen swimming pool. He was bigger than life to a 9 year old. Although it has been 60 years since I last saw him, his photo looked like what I remember. God bless you Robert.
G
Guest
October 13, 2022
Memorial Tree

Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Robert Dunn Rigsby. Send flowers

L
Les Capouya
October 13, 2022
Robert was my boss at Abrams Store Fixtures in the 1980s. He was a straight-up, honest, and genuine person. He was always sincere and caring. Robert is one of those people that made a difference in my life and I'm sure many others.

A smile is cracking across my face ...
Continue Reading
N
Nickie Bishop
August 14, 2022
Robert was the most kind, caring and chivalrous person I have ever known. Once I took a trip to Ft Walton and stayed with him and Lynda. Every evening when I got back to their condo I was greeted with cocktails and tasty treats. I was spoilt rotten! He was such a treasur... Continue Reading
C
Cliff Cook
August 10, 2022
Worked with Robert at Eastman Chemical in the early days. No way to be in a room without knowing he was there and he would leave you in a good mood.

World needs many more like him. He will not be forgotten.
M
Michael and Bunnie Smith
August 9, 2022
Robert Rigsby was a good, caring and happy soul. As i was weed eating my yard one hot day he walked the sidewalk and i heard him call my name. As i shut off the weed eater he made his way to me and gave my sweaty body a big hug. he was visiting his daughter and she moved... Continue Reading
B
Betty Rigsby, and the families of Ben and Mark Rigsby
August 8, 2022
Many fond memories and love for Uncle Robert and all the family.
THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT

THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was purchased for the family of Robert Dunn Rigsby. Send flowers

J
John Dickinson
August 8, 2022
Thanks cousin Robert for making the effort numerous times to attend the Dickinson family reunions (His Aunt Melbas side) you were an influence on all of us and a joy to be around!
1 comment
R
Ricky & Cynthia Powell
August 9, 2022
Rapid Robert as some of his KA fraternity brothers nicknamed him was one of the most engaging, outgoing and joyful fellows to enter our lives. Our deepest condolences are extended to his family and friends. Robert fought the good fight and is in Glory with His Lord Jesus....
L
Lauren Dickinson Taliaferro
August 8, 2022
L
Lauren Dickinson Taliaferro
August 8, 2022