Jewell Riggan

Jewell Benton Riggan, 89, of Malvern, passed away at an area hospital, October 21, 2011. He was born October 25, 1921, to Jewell Nomar and Della Benton Thornton Riggan in Hot Springs Co, Arkansas Jewell was a former Deacon at Big Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He was retired from Glenvale in Malvern as a Die caster / Machinist. Jewell's loves were fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. He traveled many times to Branson, Missouri and other areas for Gospel Concerts. Jewell was a huge fan of Gospel music, especially Gaither Gospel Music. Every Sunday, he would pack up his family for the Revival meetings for the, "All Day Singing and Dinner on the Ground!" He liked taking his wife and children on long Sunday drives and more times than not, they would all enjoy a road side picnic together and of course there was the annual Thanksgiving Day hunt that he shared with his all of his kids. His children remember detailed information about their childhood and how Jewell raised them all to believe in a God of Mercy and Grace. Jewell is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth A. Parker Riggan of 53 years; sister, Ilene Nutt; brother, Bearl Riggan; and son-n-law, Roger Thigpen. He is survived by his two sons; Jewell Dewayne (Helen) of Magnet Cove, AR and Gary Don (Linda) of De Queen, AR.; five daughters, Pat Anthony (Joe) of Bryant, Arkansas, Trudie Lawson (Dennis) of Sheridan, Arkansas, Pamela Thigpen of Moore, South Carolina, Karen Keenom (Joe) of Malvern, Arkansas, and Rebecca Qualls (Gary) of Vilonia, Arkansas; sister, Vearl Myers of Willow, Ar.; eighteen grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers to include: Scott Keenom, Jaeson Riggan, Craig Dunn, Sam Riggan, Curtis Rushing, and Johnny Nutt. Honorary Pallbearers: The Staff at Malvern Nursing Home, Doctor Larry Brashear's and all of the Grandchildren who brought great joy in Jewell's life. Service and Visitation will be held at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. Service: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation: Monday, October 24, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; interment to following at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Bro. Mark Thornton Officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home, Malvern, AR (501) 332-2711. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

Jewell Riggan

October 25, 1921 - October 21, 2011