Baxter Sledge Riggsbee died February 25, 2015. He was born December 25, 1925 in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where he grew up. His parents were Fred Riggsbee and Irene Sledge Riggsbee. He graduated from high school in Pittsboro and immediately joined the Army, as his draft was deferred long enough for him to graduate. He served in the Philippines and then in Japan. After the war, Baxter entered UNC Chapel Hill but was unable to graduate as he had to work. He never lost his love for Carolina and remained a Tarheel until his death.
Baxter married Mary Strowd Ward August 7, 1948, and they had two children, Fred and Lydia. He is survived by his wife, Mary Strowd, his son Fred, daughter-in-law, Lunday, his daughter Lydia, son-in law Steve, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Baxter worked many jobs during his life, starting as a soda jerk at McBane Drug Store in Pittsboro, working at the local pool hall, selling furniture at William Drake’s furniture store, working construction, and supervising at the American Tobacco Company. He then worked at Justice Motor Company for 16 years, after which he and Tom Reeves started Reeves and Riggsbee Insurance and Realty Company. In 1973 Baxter bought Tom Reeves’ interest in the company and ran the business until he sold the insurance company in 1986. He continued to work in the real estate business until his early eighties.
At his death, Baxter was the last surviving founder of the Pittsboro Kiwanis Club, which was begun in 1950. Baxter served the Kiwanis Club in almost every capacity available. During his life, he also served on the Pittsboro Town Board of Commissioners and on the First Citizens Bank Board of Directors. He was a commander in the VFW and the American Legion, and was a Mason, receiving a 60 year award of service just a few months prior to his death. He was a long time member of the Pittsboro Methodist Church and attended regularly until his health would no longer allow.
Baxter was not all work and no play. He was an avid golfer until he was no longer able to play, and followed the Boston Red Sox and his beloved Tarheels until his death.
A service will be held Tuesday, March 3, at the Pittsboro United Methodist Church. In memory of Baxter, donations to the Pittsboro United Methodist Church and Mt. Gilead Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Hall-Wynne, Griffin Chapel is serving the Riggsbee family.
Barry and Phyllis Burns
February 28, 2015 at 3:55 pmMary Strowd
Phyllis and I are so sorry for your loss. We know that Baxter has not been doing well for sometime, However, we understand that there is a big void in your life at this time. Hopefully , in the days to come you will be able to think about the good times that you’ve had together. If there is anything that we can do, please call.
The Holden family
March 1, 2015 at 1:54 pmWe are sorry for your family’s loss. Baxter was a friendly and warm guy who everyone enjoyed to be around.
maurice sanders
March 2, 2015 at 7:49 pmBAXTER REST IN PEACE MY FREIND , I WAS HONERED TO WORK WITH YOU AT KIWAINS CLUB IN PITTSBORO , I WILL NEVER FOR GET YOU YOU WERE A GREAT HELP TO TROOP 93 IN PITTSBORO THANK YOU MO
Bea Harris O'Quinn
March 3, 2015 at 10:28 pmMary Strowd and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Baxter’s passing. I enjoyed getting to know him at McCrimmon Drug back in the days I worked as a soda jerk during high school, as he was one of our regulars to come in and catch up on all the news of the day. I guess we had that in common since he had also been a soda jerk, probably at the same drug store. During the later years he was always friendly and a special person to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bea Harris O’Quinn
Rhonda Lassiter Vitagliano
March 4, 2015 at 8:02 amDear Riggsbee Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Baxter’s death and your loss. I can remember my dad and him playing golf together for many years. I also remember him for his love for his grandchildren. He would bring them to school and pick them up, taking them anywhere they needed to be. You were very fortunate to have such a role model of what a loving family man should be. Both Pittsboro and you have lost a great man and role model.
Rhonda Lassiter Vitagliano
Pat Godfrey
March 4, 2015 at 5:51 pmI am so sorry for your loss..I always enjoyed seeing you and Mr.Baxter at Virlies Grill. May you have peace in the days to come.
Mark and Elizabeth "Beth" Burgess Morton
March 7, 2015 at 1:35 pmMrs. Riggsbee and family, we are so sorry to learn of Mr. Baxter’s passing. We shall miss him too. He was a good man. You all are in our prayers in the days ahead for comfort and guidance .
Vickie Boggs Cecil
March 8, 2015 at 3:02 pmMs. Riggsbee, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We have missed having you at our Class of ’69 functions. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Linda Hearne Slone
March 14, 2015 at 11:54 amI was very sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Riggsbee was a wonderful man. I know
it make a very big void in your life. But remember he will be waiting on the other side for you.
Martin "Marty" Palmer
March 25, 2015 at 9:49 pmMrs. Riggsbee, Fred and Family,
I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Riggsbee. Although I have been living in Indiana for the past 21 years, my heart is still in North Carolina with former teachers, like Mrs. Riggsbee and classmates, like Fred. I am truly sorry for your loss!
Sincerely,
Martin “Marty” Palmer
Martin "Marty" Palmer
March 25, 2015 at 9:50 pmMrs. Riggsbee, Fred and Family,
I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Riggsbee. Although I have been living in Indiana for the past 21 years, my heart is still in North Carolina with former teachers, like Mrs. Riggsbee and classmates, like Fred. I am truly sorry for your loss!
Sincerely,
Martin “Marty” Palmer
Daniel Berdine
March 30, 2015 at 5:04 amThis was a shock to hear. All my best to Mary Strowd and his family. Baxter was well loved by my mother, Edythe Lindsey, and myself. You will be missed.