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TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HENRY RIGGS OF CHARLESTON AND TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives deem it absolutely fitting to pause in their deliberations to celebrate the memory of William Henry Riggs, who passed to his eternal home on March 16, 2018; and
Whereas, William Henry Riggs, known to many as Billy, was born on July 12, 1922, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Thomas Salkeld and Ottie Sheppard Riggs. He attended public schools in the City of Charleston and graduated from high school in 1947, where he was president of the student body and lettered in four sports. At the age of seventeen, he joined the Naval Reserve and actively served from 1941 through 1945; and
Whereas, in March 1944, he married the love of his life, Sara Louise Neese, in Arlington, Virginia. Shortly thereafter he deployed with the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre for the remainder of World War II. He earned five Battle Stars during his service: Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Tokyo Bay, Philippines, and Ulithi; and
Whereas, upon his discharge in 1945, he returned to Charleston to work alongside his father-in-law, Alpha O. Neese, at what was then known as The White House Grocery on King Street. He and his wife acquired the property at 282 King Street and owned and operated Raley's Cafeteria until 1971; and
Whereas, in 1980, Mr. Riggs' son, Thomas A. Riggs, decided to reopen The White House Grocery. William operated the business until his retirement in 1988. In retirement, he could be found on the golf course at Patriots Point, Dunes West, or The Municipal; and
Whereas, among his many accomplishments he could include being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Those left to forever cherish his memory include his two beloved sons, Robert William Riggs (Robin) and Edward Wilson Riggs (Becky); five grandchildren, Edward Wilson Riggs, Jr. (Kimberly), Rebecca Riggs Lesesne (Daniel), Ryan William Riggs, William Henry Riggs IV (Maari Suorsa), and Sara Riggs Straughn (Palmer); and four great-grandchildren, Edward Wilson Riggs III, Lena Kennedy Riggs, Henry Grady Lesesne, and Gabriel Somers Lesesne; as well as many nieces and nephews; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives are grateful for the legacy of William Riggs and offer their sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor the life and legacy of William Henry Riggs of Charleston and express the deepest sympathy to his loving family and friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William H. Riggs.
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