Ward Parmalee Riggins, Jr, 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the At Home Assisted Living Facility in Jesup, Georgia, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia, Inc., and his loving family.

A lifelong resident of Jesup, Georgia, Ward was born in Jesup on January 16, 1925, the second child of the late Ward Parmalee and Ruby Broadhurst Riggins. He spent his early years in Jesup and was a graduate of Jesup High School before continuing his education at Auburn University in Alabama and then graduating in 1948 from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduation he also married the first love of his life, Jeanette Barbee. They were married for 29 years until her passing. He served as a naval officer and celestial navigator, an udefeated champion boxer and an active midshipman during the Korean war. After serving for ten years he returned to Jesup to help manage his family's business, the Strand and Jesup Drive In Theaters, which were started by his father in 1924 and 1948, respectively.

He continued to manage the theaters after the passing of his parents. In 1982, he married the second love of his life, Mitzi Nooney, to whom he was also married for 29 years until her passing. He will be remembered for his good nature and his spot-on one-liners. Ward was a member of Jesup First United Methodist Church for over 90 years and was a past president of Jesup Kiwanis. He spent many years in service as a "Pink Lady" at Wayne Memorial Hospital, bringing warmth and cheer to its patients, and was a founding member of the Jesup Liar's Club.

In addition to his parents, his sister Sarah, wife Jeanette, wife Mitzi, stepdaughter Nanci Drake, stepson David Nooney, and grandson Steven Drake preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son Ward "Skipper" Riggins (Leslie), of Jesup, Georgia, daughter Connie Riggins (Mike) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, son Bobby Riggins of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, stepdaughter Suzi Newton (Judy), stepson Patrick Nooney (Ronda), former daughter-in-law Lisa Nooney Arnold;  grandchildren Noelle Lykins (Sean), Dylan Nooney, Jay Drake, Christopher Stanfield, David Nooney, Tony Nooney; great-grandson Elias Lykins; nieces Cathy Barker (Jeff), Cindy Peeples (Kevin), Ann Warner, Ellen Clary (Terri); nephew, Tom Clary (Sue); nephew, Patrick Hickey, grandniece Katie Clary, grandnephew Paul Clary, and great-grandnephews Noah and Sam Clary.

Ward's family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice of South Georgia, Inc. and At Home of Jesup for all the loving care he received throughout the years.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Jesup First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.