William Donald Rigsby

William Donald Rigsby, age 92, former longtime resident of Byron, Georgia passed away March 18, 2023, in Americus, Georgia. He was born in Butler County, Alabama, November 29, 1930, to the late William Ray Rigsby and the late Annie Valera Dozier Rigsby.  Donald graduated in 1957 from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (renamed Auburn University in1960) with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. A United States Army Veteran, he served in the 31st infantry division marching band, The Dixie Darlings. He was employed as a mechanical engineer at Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia and retired after 33 years.

“Poppa” was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many. He was a fellow Christian and as such, served and helped many people during his journey in life. We will miss him beyond measure but am confident we will see him again!

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Jewell Derrick, his daughters Sarah Darden and husband Frank of Port St Joe, FL, and Leisa Easom and husband Rennie of Americus, GA.  Other survivors include a sister, Annie Lou Larson of Springfield, UT and numerous nieces and nephews. Surviving grandchildren include Kelli McCullough (husband Robert and great grandchildren Annabelle, Scarlett, and Franklin of Birmingham, AL), William Easom (wife Tori and great grandchildren Ayden, Brooklyn, Chelsea, and Dorothy of Summerville, SC), Derrick Ho (husband Collin and great grandchild Sutton of Valdosta, GA), and Mitchell Easom (wife Tanzy and great grandchild Billie of Americus, GA).  Donald was preceded in death by a brother, James Glenn Rigsby and sister, Fannie Sue Hale.

No memorial service is planned at this time. His family will have a celebration of life in the future.