Robert William Rigdon

Robert William Rigdon was called into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday morning December 12, 2024. Robert was born on January 4, 1939 in Jacksonville, Florida to parents, William Edgar and Lola Beatrice (ńee Simms) Rigdon. He shared his early life with siblings, Geraldine “Jerry”, Larry E., Franklin “Leroy” and Wanda G. Rigdon.

Robert attended local schools and graduated from Paxon High School in 1957. After high school, Robert served two years in the United States Navy as an aircraft mechanic aboard Naval vessels traveling in the Pacific. After his honorable discharge, he joined the Seaboard Coastline Railroad where he worked in various positions prior to starting a career as a law enforcement officer.

In November 1961, he joined the City of Jacksonville Police Department as a Patrolman. After the 1968 consolidation of Duval County and the City of Jacksonville, Robert, known as Bob to many of his colleagues, continued his law enforcement career with the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office, retiring in 1994 with 33 years of service. During his time with the JSO, Bob served in the Extradition Unit as an Extradition Officer where he facilitated the transfer of prisoners between jurisdictions. He enjoyed the extradition role greatly as it afforded him the opportunity to travel occasionally and work closely with local Judges, Lawyers and Bailiffs. Bob was a proud and longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Police Jacksonville Lodge 5-30 and NARC, the National Association of Retired Cops.

On August 29th 1964, Robert married the love of his life, Emily McClure Rigdon, who preceded her “Bobby” in death in 2010. As a couple, Bobby and Emily welcomed two sons, Stuart Leland and Travis Robert Rigdon. They raised their children at Murray Hill United Methodist Church and later at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. During his 40-year membership at First Baptist, Robert served in the 5th grade choir program and for many years as security for Pastor Homer G. Lindsay, Jr. In recent years, Robert was an active member of the Senior Men, Culbreth-Grooms Sunday School Class.

Robert’s life was centered around his love of God and family. He relished every moment shared in the company of those he loved. He derived personal enjoyment and relaxation from wood working and crewel embroidery.

Robert is survived by his two sons Stuart Leland Rigdon (spouse Georgina “Gina” Reid Rigdon) and Travis Robert Rigdon (spouse Rob Gould), five grandchildren Kyle Stuart Rigdon (spouse Christella), Clayton Reid Rigdon (spouse Chynna), Madison Paige “Maddie” Rigdon (mother Dana Rigdon), Dillon Brooks Rigdon and Sydney Elise Rigdon, four great grandchildren Levi Clayton Rigdon, Thea Eleanor Rigdon, Adrian Dawn Rigdon and Eden Reid Rigdon, three siblings Larry E. Rigdon (spouse Penny), Franklin “Leroy” Rigdon (spouse Joanne) and Wanda Gail Anthony (spouse James), thirteen nieces and nephews and many other family, friends and loved ones.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Emily McClure Rigdon, his parents William Edgar and Lola Beatrice Rigdon, his sister, Lola Geraldine “Jerry” Strickland and brother-in-law Guy Strickland.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 3-6 pm at the Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Jones Road Baptist Church, 2506 Jones Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32220, with interment following at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A reception gathering for family and friends will follow the interment at the Riverside Event Pavilion, 1373 Memorial Park Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.