Floyd William "Bill" Rigsby
Floyd William "Bill" Rigsby, Jr., passed away peacefully at home May 28, 2025, in Melbourne, Fla., at the age of 80.
Bill was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Floyd William Rigsby, Sr. and Frances Elizabeth Rigsby. He grew up in Moses Lake, Wash., alongside his surviving siblings Donna Walden and Larry Rigsby of Washington, and Vicki Turner of Ohio. He graduated in 1963 from Moses Lake High School.
A proud and dedicated veteran, Bill served his country honorably in the United States Army in two separate tours from 1963 to 1966 and from 1971 to 1988, retiring as a Master Sergeant after a distinguished military career. He earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike for his leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty.
Following his retirement in 1988, he returned to Moses Lake, where he embraced civilian life as the owner and operator of Kelly's Tavern. Known for his warm personality and sharp wit, became a well-known local figure. After selling the business, he relocated to Henderson, Nev., where he worked as a collection agent for Ford Motor Credit.
In his later years, Bill retired to Melbourne, Fla., where he enjoyed life under the warm Florida sunshine. He found peace and comfort in his final chapter and remained a source of strength and humor for those around him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, Gisela Rigsby. He is survived by his daughters: Donna Rigsby of New Jersey, Brigette Marker of Washington, and grandchildren T.J., Sydney and Alex. He also leaves behind numerous fondly remembered cousins and friends.
An inurnment service with full military honors will be held soon at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, in memory of Gisela Rigsby. The website for the foundation may be found at: https://bit.ly/MJFOX1
Bill's life was marked by service, entrepreneurship, and an unshakable devotion to family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
