Out of the pages of the Old Testament come words which seem to be fitting on this occasion as an appropriate writing of the life of Rev. Charlie Riggs. They belong not to Laminations (the literature of grief) but to the Psalms (the poetry of song). "Blessed is the man... He is like a tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither" (Psalm 1: 1,3) Such words suggest the great patience, graciousness and stability of Charlie Riggs' life. He was like a tree. And now that tree has fallen, we all keenly sense a bareness in the landscape of life. He was a tree that towered prominently in the admiration, respect, and appreciation of the Conference which he served for nearly 40 years; also that of his community, both native Martin, Tennessee and adopted Augusta, Georgia.

Charlie Allen Riggs, son of John F. and Minerva Riggs was born February 14, 1887 in Person County, North Carolina and moved with his parents to Weakley County, Tennessee in 1894, died in Augusta, Georgia, October 27, 1975 at the age of 88. In a family of six children (Two brothers and three sisters), all have preceded him in death except one sister, Mrs. Molly Hale who is now in a Weakly County Nursing Home. His beloved wife, Vera Betty Rogers of 63 years marriage, preceded him in death only ten months before. He leaves two children; Dr. Charles R. Riggs of Memphis, Tennessee and Mrs. Thomas (Lorene) J. Loftiss of Augusta, Georgia; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

As was said of Barnabas of old, it might very well be said of Charlie Riggs, "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." He was converted under the ministry of John Freeman at Terrell School and joined the M. E. Church South at Travis Chapel in July of 1904. He was educated in the Dresden and Martin, Tennessee Schools, doing outstanding work at McFerrin Institute.

He was licensed to preach by the Union City District Conference in Hickman, Kentucky in May 1908. He preached his first sermon at Travis Chapel in July 1908 and then at the Annual Memphis Conference in 1911; he was assigned to the Dresden Circuit as Supply Pastor. Next came his promotion to Deacons Orders and he was ordained by Bishop John C. Kilgo at Brownsville, Tennessee, November 1912. He was admitted on trial tot he Memphis Conference November 1913 at Martin, Tennessee and into full connection to the Memphis Conference November, 1915 at Trenton, Tennessee. Rev. Riggs received one of the first Exhorter's License (See below) in 1907 in the Union City District, which license is now a very rare document and is a prized possession of his children.

His was a ministry of quietness and confidence. There was a depth of character and a genuine Christian conviction which characterized his effective ministry. No one ever doubted his "Call tot he Ministry" nor his sincerity in carrying out the duties of his pastorates. To know him was to love, appreciate and honor him. Many who found their way into the Kingdom through his ministry will rise up in that day and call him blessed. He gave himself faithfully to the care of the church property where he served. He built new buildings and added new additions to a number of churches, as well as securing better parsonages.

Bro. Riggs was well like by his fellow ministers as well as the congregations whom he served. He was enthusiastic in his preaching and was always evangelistic. He faithfully served on the board of Temperance; Board of Pensions and many other important committees and was always an active and enthusiastic worker for Lambuth College. Rev. Riggs lived for many years in Martin, Tennessee following his retirement, where he was active in the First Methodist Church work teaching a Sunday School Class and being Chaplain of the local Masonic Lodge, until moving to Augusta, Georgia, eight years ago, where he and his wife made their home with their daughter and family. And even when confined to a wheelchair and in much declining health, he continued his ministry of advice cheerfully and helpfully to all who came to see him, both laymen and ministers alike. It was an honor to have him and his wife live with us in our home as he wielded his influence upon the entire family.

Rev. Riggs was the second oldest member of the Memphis Conference at the time of his death, serving for 38 years in many churches in West Tennessee and Kentucky. He was a life member of AF&AM Masonic Lodge #551 of Martin, Tennessee and received his 50 year pin in his last years, forwarded to him from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee to the Grand Lodge of Georgia. which was presented to him in ceremonies held at his daughter's home in Augusta.

Funeral services were held November 1, 1975 at the Murphy Funeral Chapel, Martin, Tennessee with Rev. Ed Crump, the Rev Homer Johns, the Rev. William Vaughn, and the Rev. Paul T. Lyles officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Cemetery, Dresden, Tennessee along side his beloved wife.

Charlie Riggs' philosophy was:

"I cannot do everything,
But I can do something,
What I can do, I ought to do,
And what I ought too do,
By the Grace of God will Do."

By Thomas J. Loftiss (Son-in-law)

Note: The Exhorter's License was the first step in a Methodist minister's career. It was a "local" license, that is, the Exhorter was not ordained and was not a "travelling" minister. The Exhorter had passed an examination on biblical knowledge and the polity of the Methodist Church. The Exhorter was an evangelist who "exhorted " people to give their lives to Christ. Frequently the Exhorter went on to become a "Local Preacher" who was permitted to conduct services and to preach under the direction of the Preacher assigned to his circuit. The Local Preacher could also study to become an ordained preacher, permitted to conduct the sacraments. --Note that I am using the title "Preacher" which was common until recent times when "Minister" became the title of the clergyman. --- J. Hamby Barton, Methodist historian