William Sledge "Bill" Riggins

William Sledge "Bill" Riggins, 81, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away February 28, 2016. He was born May 17, 1934, in Buckner, Arkansas, to the late John Franklin and Laura (Sledge) Riggins. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. Bill Graduated from Stamps High School, attended Henderson State Teachers College and earned a BS in Business Administration from Southern State College in Magnolia. Upon graduation, he received a US Navy commission and enjoyed a Naval Air Career that included assignments from Spain to New Orleans and many points in between retiring after 23 years as Commander and Executive Officer at Naval Air Station Dallas. Bill loved the outdoors: his timberland, fishing, boating and flying RC airplanes; especially when sharing them with friends and family. Always valuing integrity, he was passionate about his faith, his country, and many causes. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Col. Jack Riggins; sisters, Claudine Morgan and Dorothy Landes. Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Gloria (Amisano) Riggins of Hot Springs; sons, Dr. William S. "Chip" Riggins Jr. (Sylvia) of Houma, Louisiana, Dr. Richard R. Riggins (Dana) of Jasper, Texas; daughters, Rosalind Riggins Ferguson and Elizabeth Riggins Roesch, both of Keller, Texas; sons by marriage, Joseph Ingram (Jill) of Maumelle, Arkansas, John Ingram (Barb) of Raymore, Missouri; sister, Francille Riggins Seymour of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Jarrod, and Jackson Riggins; Zach, Dylan, and Sam Riggins; Jack, Annie, and Will Ferguson; Christopher, Benjamin, Elise, and Emily Roesch; Alex, Jordan, and Jacob Ingram; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be at noon Friday, March 4 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel with a celebration of Bill's life at 1 p.m. with Pastor John McCallum officiating. Burial with military honors will be held Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m., Lakeside Cemetery, Stamps, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Hot Springs Building Fund or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Guests register is www.caruth-hale.com.