Staff Sergeant Retired U.S. Army James Preston Rigdon, age 89, Locust Fork, Alabama went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 2017 after an extended illness. He was born in Bacon County on February 28, 1928 to the late Andrew Jackson (Jay) Rigdon and Rose Zella Rigdon. His son Jerome Rodney Rigdon, two brothers, Rev. James Marion (J.M.) Rigdon, James Carly Rigdon and three sisters, Lorene Rigdon, Merrell Rigdon Ellis and Louise R. Johnson preceded him in death. He was retired from the US Army after 21 years of service and also retired from West Central Georgia Hospital after 17 years.

Mr. Rigdon is survived by his wife, Essie Annette Bagley Rigdon of Locust Fork, Alabama, four children, Danny Preston Rigdon of Norfolk, VA., James Anthony Rigdon of Alma, Robin Gaynell Rigdon Franklin of Quinton, AL. and Rhonda Gail Rigdon Melia of Hoover, AL., a sister, Valdese Yawn of Hazlehurst, GA.; also four grandchildren, Chris Franklin, Charly Franklin, Heather Melia and Jake Melia and three great-grandchildren.

Full military honors will be held Thursday, September 21 ^st at 11:00 AM at Wesley Chapel (Wolfpit) Church with Rev. Dwayne Tanner, Rev. Jimmy Cothren and Rev. Danny Turner officiating. Interment will follow in the Wolfpit Cemetery.
The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM.

Military will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be; Dwayne Streat, Jimmy Rigdon, Eddie Ellis, Bobby Bagley, Jimmy Bagley, W. C. Ellis, Ronnie Ellis and Tommy Whidby.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.