Mr. Nathaniel Par Riggins

Obituary For Mr. Nathaniel Par Riggins

Funeral services for Mr. Nathaniel Par Riggins, 86, of 8798 Old #6 Highway, Santee, SC, formerly of Norfolk, VA, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Simmons Funeral Home of Santee Chapel, followed by interment at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Santee, SC. The Reverend Dr. D.L. Grant is officiating and eulogy by Pastor William Davis.

Mr. Riggins passed away on Monday, July 5, 2022 at his residence.

Petty Officer First Class (Ret.) Nathaniel "Par" Riggins, the eldest child of the late Curtis Dave and Blanch Grayton Riggins, was born on September 15, 1935 in Santee, South Carolina. He peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on July 5, 2022, at the home of his sister, Kathryn R. Phillips, surrounded by his loving family.

Early Life: Nathaniel's mother died when he was seven years old; he was then reared by his father and loving aunt, Cammie Riggins, in Santee. He graduated from Roberts High School in 1954. After working in the fields in Santee, he quickly decided to leave Santee in search of a successful life.

Church: At an early age, he attended Chapel Hill Baptist Church. In 1999 he dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized by Pastor William L. Davis, Jr., at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia, where he maintained his membership until moving back to Santee in March 2022. He then returned to his home church, Chapel Hill Baptist, under the leadership of Pastor D. L. Grant.

Military Career: In 1955 Nathaniel joined the United States Navy. For 20 years, he honorably served his country on several continents. He received many awards and recognitions including the Veteran of Vietnam War/Navy Achievement Medal with Combat, the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Medal of Good Conduct. Commanding officers described him as "A good sailor and a credit to the ship and the Navy".

Education: Mr. Riggins completed Naval Leadership Academy at Naval Amphibious School and attended Golden Gate University, St. Leo College, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He loved reading and learning and was notorious for asking questions and making you think.

Post Military Career: After retiring from the United States Navy, "Mr. Rig" as he was affectionately called, made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. He then enjoyed a 20-year career as Crew Leader with Sewells Point Golf Course. Even after retiring from the golf course, he would visit often and have lunch with his friends.

Community: Mr. Riggins was a pillar in the Titustown Community of Norfolk, Virginia, for more than 40 years. He was President of the Concerned Citizens of Titustown Civic League, Vice Chairman of Naval Base Restoration Advisory Board, and President of the Tucker House at Urban Ministry Housing Development. He was a member of the Conservation Review Board, Towing Commission, Jury Commissioner Board for the Fourth Judicial Court, the City of Norfolk Planning Commission, Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center, Police Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Norfolk Office of Community Empowerment. The City of Norfolk recognized him for his deep commitment and outstanding devotion.

Hobbies: Nat enjoyed watching television (mostly news and sports), traveling, listening to good music and good sermons, and visiting his family in Santee and West Haven, Connecticut. "Mr. Nate" was extremely happy taking his special friend, Ms. Martha, on weekly drives for ice cream or just to ride around the beach/city. He enjoyed good food (especially sweets) and would always take home-cooked meals and a homemade jelly layer cake from Santee back to Norfolk.

Family and Friends: Nathaniel married his best friend, the late Ethel M. Riggins, in 1963. This union lasted 38 years until she passed. He loved his family and friends dearly and was always ready to share his wisdom as well as childhood and military stories with whoever would listen. Although he had a remarkable memory, he documented much of his life with photos and memorabilia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, aunt, sister ( Justine Riggins Donaldson); and cousins reared as brothers (Sears Riggins, Cornelious Riggins, and Silas Seabrooks).

Those who will cherish his memories are his daughter, Lillian Jenkins, of Garland, Texas; devoted sister/caregiver, Kathryn Riggins Phillips, and loving brother, Gerald Riggins, both of Santee; sisters­in-law, Viola Riggins of Orangeburg and Annie Mae Seabrooks of Santee; grandchildren, LaKeshia and Karon of Garland, Texas; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special friend/caregiver; Thomas Taylor, as well as Martha Davis, and her family of Norfolk, Virginia, will also cherish fond memories.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 1:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m at Simmons Funeral Home of Santee.

Family and friends may visit at the residence between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. A mask is required during visitation.

Please follow all COVID-19 precautions.

Online condolences may be sent to www.simmonsfuneralhome.com

Download funeral program