Doug N. Riggle

Douglas Neil Riggle, a man of faith, strength, and compassion, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on October 3, 2024. He was 59 years old. He lived most of his life in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Lexington, South Carolina two years ago, seeking warmer climates and a slower pace of life.

Doug was a beloved friend, brother, and community leader, who left an indelible impact on all who knew him across the country and the world. He was tall, handsome, intelligent, kind, caring, & courageous. His life was a testament to perseverance, resilience, and unwavering faith in God, even through the darkest moments. His big heart for others was perhaps the feature that most stood out to everyone who knew him.

He founded and led Orphan World Relief, a non-profit organization that was committed to supporting orphanages and vulnerable children around the world. He led mission trips to multiple countries, worked with children on the streets in Ukraine, and mentored many friends and coworkers. Doug spent countless hours counseling others on adoption, divorce, and grief, providing a listening ear and compassionate heart to anyone in need. He was a sounding board who provided discerning advice for everyone around him.

Doug’s life was impacted by personal tragedy when he lost his beloved son Richie, a pain that would have crippled most, but one he turned into a source of strength and purpose. His faith carried him through that unspeakable loss and gave him comfort and courage as he faced his own battle with cancer. His TEDx talk, several books, and many community presentations on grief, resilience, life and faith continue to inspire many. He co-hosted a podcast and co-authored a coming book, I’d Rather Be a Buffalo, outlining his philosophy of facing life’s storms head-on.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, William A. Riggle and Shirley A. (Russell) Riggle, his son, Richard "Richie" N. Riggle, and his “bonus” mom Nancy (Fischer) Shelton.

He is survived by his sister, Debbie (Dennis) Walley, nieces Stacey (Scott) Wade, Jennifer (fiance Gary Johnson) Hinerman, and Barbara (Cory) Steward, birth mother Sheri Johnson, sisters Brenda Moore (Max Kargarzadeh) and Sheila (Ron) Curtis, nieces Alicia Moore (Kelley Jean Hancock) and Nicole Andrews, nephew Drew (Heather Jent) Margiotta, birth father Bill (Pat) Shelton, sisters Sadie (Justin) Anderson and Amanda (John) Kalkwarf, niece Charlotte Kalkwarf, nephews Garrett Shelton, Macintyre Anderson and Johnny Kalkwarf, and many loving grand-nieces, grand-nephews, aunts and uncles. His family of choice included Rick and Nancy Neighbarger, their son Jordan, his collie Omega, and many friends who miss him dearly.

Doug, you are loved and missed beyond words. You will always be a part of us every day of our lives. We love you, brother, and know you are with God now.

A Funeral Service was held at Waters Edge church in Lexington, SC on October 7, 2024. Viewing will be held at 9:30 AM on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Linworth Road Church in Columbus, Ohio, with a Funeral Service at 10:30 and graveside ceremony immediately following. In honor of Doug, donations can be made to Pelotonia cancer research, My Comfy Kits at Alicia’s Closet, or To Write Love On Her Arms in memory of his beloved son Richie. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.