Paul Henry Riggs

Paul Riggs, 75, of Dayton Tennessee, passed peacefully to be with his Lord Wednesday afternoon.   

He was a lifelong member of New Union Baptist Church in Dayton, Tennessee. Paul graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education from Bryan College, later completing his Master’s in Education. Paul was deeply loyal; those who were close to him whether it was through family, friendships, golf, or some other activity knew the strength of his love and support.  When he connected with a person he was in for the long haul, no matter what. Paul helped his friends.  He could be called on, as many people found out, at any time and he appreciated that people reached out to him and that he could help those he loved.  An insurance company may have used the line but those who spent time with him found that he knew a thing or two because he’d seen a thing or two.  By God’s grace, he was always prepared to share what he learned. Paul was a passionate sportsman.  He played baseball and soccer in college.  He was named All-World shortstop in 1970 and he received that award outside Detroit while playing for Golden Gallon.  He was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.  He loved coaching his little league baseball teams and continued his passion to help young men in numerous sports as a referee and umpire for years. Paul loved golf.  He would schedule his days to spend time with friends on his home course and he looked forward to planning and taking golfing trips with friends in “The Mafia.”  He was concerned that without his leadership they would not know when to play.  You could tell he was feeling well because he would be out on the course that day. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Blanche Riggs, and by his sister, Pat Beeler. 

Paul is succeeded by his wife of 43 years, Lisa, and his children, Kelly and Philip Brown, Matt and Ani Riggs, and Kevin and Cindee Riggs.  He and Lisa have six grandchildren, Katie Riggs, Bailey Brown, Carly Riggs, Reece Brown, Corie Riggs, and Ealyn Riggs. 

The family will receive friends Friday at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home in Dayton from 11:00 - 1:00  with service to follow in the chapel. Interment will follow at Spence Cemetary.

Pallbearers are Dale Gravett, Gary Penney, Levon Smith, Marshall Taylor, Don MacMurray, and Jeff Travis.  Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Tallent, Brownie Boles, Keyvan Sheble, and Jeff Reed. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to New Union Baptist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice in Paul’s name. 

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