Mr. William Darnell (" Bilbo ") Riggs

Mr. William Darnell Riggs, affectionately known as “Bilbo” and “Bill Riggo,” son of the late William Riggs, Jr., and Cursena Campbell Riggs, was born on July 19, 1940, in Tallulah, Louisiana. At an early age, William confessed Christ and was baptized on September 16, 1952, at Trinidad Plantation. For many years, he was a faithful member of New Morning Star M.B.C., where he served on the deacon board and sang in the choir. William was known to serve at several churches in the Tallulah area until his health would not allow him to continue. His gift of song allowed him to share his angelic voice from coast to coast as he sang at countless churches and venues. William received his formal education in the Madison Parish School System, later attending Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, receiving his BS in Mathematics in 1963. William was an outstanding athlete and earned scholarships to play basketball and baseball during his undergraduate years. During his senior year at Paul Quinn, he was ranked as the finest ball controller in the conference. After completing college, he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years. He later went on to pursue his Teaching Certificate from Grambling State University in 1970, and received his Masters plus thirty hours from Grambling State University in 1984. William was employed by the Madison Parish School System for several decades, serving in the capacities of Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Title I Coordinator. William was a devoted father, grandfather, educator, and church member. He was loved and respected by many and touched the lives of young men all the way in California, where he coached basketball after retiring. He coached basketball at Price High School and won the California Division V State Championship on March 18, 2000. He was an all-around athlete and loved to play basketball, tennis, baseball, and golf. His contagious smile and friendly spirit will be missed by many. William was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ora Bea Riggs; and two grandsons, Mustafa Herd and Daryl Riggs. He leaves to cherish his memory: five daughters, Jessie Goodman, Kena Barber, Ketche Parker, Kim Thornton, and Nichole Norris; son, James E. Lee, Jr.; three godchildren, Latasha (Michael) Hill, Anthony (Devae) Lucas, and Ladonna Williams; four sisters, Bertha (Charles) Lloyd, Lessie (Raymond) Smith, Shirley Crawford, and Mattie Ruth Quisenberry; brother, Kenneth (Teresa) Campbell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

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