Russell Bruce Riggins

Pickens, SC - Mr. Russell B. Riggins of Pickens, SC passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of March 1, 2023. He is eternally healed and in the presence of his Savior and reunited with his daughter, Barbara Holcombe.

Russell was the last surviving child of the late John David and Viola Simmons Riggins. Affectionately known as “Hon”, “Daddy”, “Poppy”, and “Uncle Russell”, he loved his family dearly and never failed to tell each of us at every opportunity. Russell had many loving nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Every Christmas Eve for the last forty years, he read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke chapter 2 to his children and all his grands and instilled the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Russell was a faithful member of Midway Baptist Church for 70 years. He loved God, his Church, and his Church family. Russell served as a deacon and as song director, in the past, for many years.

Known to many as “the Midway Piddler” for the better part of seventy years. He worked on everything from sewing machines to tractors. Russell loved to take things apart just to see how they worked. He was happiest at home working in the “Wee Fix-It Shop”. Russell was an Air Force veteran of the Korean conflict and served in England for 18 months. He retired from Ryobi in Pickens after thirty-eight years of dedicated service, and made many friends while working there.

Russell is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 72 years: Sylvia Cox Riggins; his daughters: Reda Collins (Donnie) of Sunset, SC and Jan Kueber (Travis Hayes) of Pickens, SC; son-in-law: David Holcombe of Sunset, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Gilstrap (Jeremy) of Easley, SC, Russ Kueber (Sarah Catherine) of Greenville, SC, Abbie Kueber of Pickens, SC, Shelby Kueber of Pickens, SC, and Conner Hayes of Pickens his great-grandsons: James Gilstrap, Jonston Gilstrap, Baylor Kueber, and Bennett Kueber arriving in August; and a brother-in-law: Gwinlin Cox of Pickens, SC.

In addition to his parents and daughter, Russell was preceded in death by his brothers: Wesley Riggins (Frances), Melvin Riggins (Jeanette), Furman Riggins (Alma), Lloyd Riggins (Easter), Luther Riggins (Pearl), and Grayson Riggins; and his sisters: Jennell Hayes (CB), Elizabeth Anthony (Tom), Mae Cater (Fletcher), Irene Evette (Lloyd), and Unice Riggins.

A homegoing service for Russell will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM on Sunday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.

Flowers are appreciated but Memorials can be made to Midway Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1376 Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.