Willie Preston Riggs

Willie Preston Riggs, 90, of Durham, NC, passed away March 27, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Riggs was born on March 22, 1933, in Durham, N.C. to the late Thelbert T. and Mattie Ferrell Riggs. Mr. Riggs was a native and lifelong resident of Durham and was a charter and lifelong member of Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Durham. In his younger years he enjoyed dirt round track racing at local tracks such as Trico, Fairgrounds, Hillsborough and Butner-Creedmoor. He was an avid NASCAR fan. In Preston’s early career he was employed at Durham Dairy but later found a 42-year career as a car salesman working at Alexander Ford, Howard Ford and University Ford. In his past time, he tended to 80 acres and several head of cattle.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Riggs is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lillie Louise Mayton Riggs; brothers, Theodore Riggs and Kermit Riggs; sisters, Anna Faye Farlow and Thelma Lee Davis; and great-grandson, Zac Schneider.

He is survived by his sons, Douglas Riggs and wife Missy of Efland, NC, Michael Riggs and wife Marcie of Durham; daughter, Diane Orr and husband Steven of Gaston, NC; brother, Paul Riggs of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Michelle Morrison (Bobby Crouch), Alaina Thiessen, Heather Foy (Kent), Cassie Hinson (Adam), Tierney Braddock (Christopher), Connor Medor, and Max Rohde; great-grandchildren, Sierra Anderson, Chris Schneider, Dominick Crouch, Delaney Crouch, Luke Sampson, Jordan Foy, Logan Foy, Lillie Grace Hinson, Lorelai Hinson, Davis Hinson, Oliver Braddock, and Ellis Braddock; and great-great-grandchild, Roxanne Routt.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Freewill Baptist Church followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the church. Reverend Tim McCreight will officiate.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Ron Johnson, Reggie Jackson, Blake Woodlief, Jordan Foy, Logan Foy, Connor Medor, and Jim Lynn

Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church, 3805 Carpenter Pond Rd, Durham, NC 27703.