Sherwood Riggleman

Rig was born March 31, 1936 to Clyde O. and Martha Phillips Riggleman in Elkins, WV. He graduated from Elkins High School in 1954 and then attended WVU and Davis and Elkins College. On August 2, 1958, Rig married the love of his life, Nora Elizabeth Flanagan, breaking the hearts of numerous Tucker County boys. Rig was very proud of the fact that he proposed to Norie just inside the Randolph County line on the road to Parsons! In 1967, Rig and Nora moved to Cross Lanes, WV where they raised their three children, Kim (Bobby) Oldaker, Susan (John) Jarrett and Jimmy (Jill) Riggleman.

Rig began working at an early age as a paper boy and then found himself at the Elkins A&P Grocery Store as a bagger and stocker. In the late 50’s, he went to work for T&W Sales as a delivery driver servicing Thomas, Davis and Parsons. Shortly thereafter, with much encouragement from his boss, he went to work as a salesman for Conwood Corporation. He was relocated to the Kanawha Valley and it is here that he and his family flourished.

The Riggleman’s settled in and became integral to the Cross Lanes/Nitro community. Staunch school and church supporters, Rig and Nora could always be found at Point Harmony Elementary, Andrew Jackson Jr. High (at the time) or Nitro High School. And if not helping out at school, they would be at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church working in one way or another.

Rig’s work ethic was unsurpassed and his keen mechanical skills were a blessing to all his family, friends and neighbors. There simply wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, from a 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit to a 1950’s dishwasher to a plethora of furnaces and air conditioners. He was that kind of guy, the kind that carried a razor-sharp pocket knife his entire life. In 1981, Rig was elected to Nitro Lodge No. 170 A.F. & A.M.

Rig wasn’t all work though, he loved to hunt and fish and often returned to Randolph, Tucker and surrounding counties in search of trout, turkey or deer. His love of the outdoors is a trait that he has passed down to his son and grandsons. He was also an avid sports fan and spent many afternoons and evenings watching his children and grandchildren play baseball, basketball, soccer and the like. And if there was a Mountaineer or Thundering Herd game on TV, he was watching!

After more than 30 years of selling chewing tobacco, snuff, popcorn and the like, Rig retired. He soon became the unofficial maintenance man at his church. For over two decades, he led the Wednesday work crew that kept the facilities running and was named Layman of the Year in 1997.

Rig was preceded in death by his loving wife Nora, his brother Kenny and his parents. He is survived by his children, seven grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

The void in our hearts and lives will not be filled, but God’s merciful grace will give us comfort and strength as we remember Rig and the love that he had for his family and friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Church Mouse Ministry c/o Cross Lanes United Methodist Church, 5320 Frontier Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313.

Gathering for family and friends will be held at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 1 to 3 pm. Celebration of Sherwood’s life will be at 3:00 P.M with Pastors George Webb and J.F. Lacaria officiating. Entombment will follow in the West Virginia Mausoleum. The family invites all those attending to share a meal at the Cross Lanes United Methodist Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff of SNU at St. Francis Hospital, Special Touch In Home Care, and Hospice Care for their loving care.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com.