John William Rigby, former Alabama Baptist pastor and evangelist, died Feb. 28. He was 85.
A graduate of Trinity College in Clearwater, Florida — where he also received an honorary doctorate of divinity — Rigby served as pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Smiths Station, for more than 27 years.
He also served as an evangelist for 10 years in addition to his other pastorates in Alabama and Georgia, spending a total of 65 years in ministry.
Early in his ministry, Rigby simultaneously served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church and Richland Baptist Church, both in Brundidge, preaching every other Sunday at each church. During that time, he helped both churches develop Sunday School programs. He also served as pastor of West End Baptist Church, Valley, before entering into full-time evangelism in 1973. He was then called to Philadelphia Baptist, his longest pastorate.
After retiring in 2010, Rigby served as interim pastor of Beaver Creek Baptist Church, Phenix City; North Phenix Baptist Church, Phenix City; and Georgetown Baptist Church in Georgia.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margie; two children; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. (Maggie Walsh)
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