Arthur “Lewis” Rigsbee, Jr.

Arthur Lewis Rigsbee, Jr. (Lewis), 85, of Morganton passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Born in Durham, North Carolina, on November 14, 1936, he was the son of the late Arthur Lewis Rigsbee, Sr. and Mary Alice Carrington Rigsbee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four sisters and two brothers.

Jane Wiley Rigsbee is his beloved wife of 64 years. They became sweethearts in high school and were married in 1957 in Durham, North Carolina.

In addition to Jane, Lewis is survived by his two beloved sons, Mike Rigsbee and wife Melissa of Cumming, Georgia, and Keith Rigsbee and his wife Traci of Morganton; and grandchildren Jack, Finn and Charlotte of Morganton. Others surviving include Jane’s siblings, Billy Wiley and Patsy Marshburn (Bill), who were special to Lewis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lewis (“Grandy”) was a proud and present grandfather to his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan, and did not miss a sporting event (and there were many), or an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. He was always in the stands, on the sidelines, or in the auditoriums supporting them with his unconditional love.

Lewis was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, where he served as an Elder. He had previously served in many leadership roles in churches he was a member of in Morganton, Drexel, Asheville and Durham. He was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Royal Ambassador’s leader, and coached basketball, baseball, and softball in YMCA leagues. He had a passion and love for missions and for serving God through serving people in his community. Through the Missions Programs at First Presbyterian, he led mission groups at the Western Youth Institution and at the Meeting Place homeless ministry organizing clothing drives and fund raisers and leading Bible studies. He also transported residents to church services on the campus of J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. He especially enjoyed preparing and serving meals at the Soup Kitchen ministry in Morganton, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.  One of his favorite things was leading the Prime Timers group at the Church. He also served as a member of the Valdese Rotary Club, and the Association of Textile Industrial Engineers.

When Lewis was not busy with his family or church, you could find him on the golf course.  He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and his grandchildren locally and while vacationing.  He was very proud of his hole-in-one at Black Mountain Golf Course.  Lewis was also a master gardener, and enjoyed working in his yard which was always immaculate.

Lewis had a long career in the textile industry as an Industrial Engineer, and retired as Director of Manufacturing Services at Alba-Waldensian. He previously worked for Burlington Industries, Wamsutta Mills, and Doblin in Morganton.

The family would like to thank their neighbors and friends who have been so supportive and helpful to Jane and Lewis.

A celebration of Lewis’ life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton with the Reverend John Hagmann officiating.  We kindly ask that everyone wear a mask and observe social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Morganton Missions.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.