1945
Thomas
2017
Thomas Alpha Riggs
May 29, 1945 — August 23, 2017
Thomas Alpha Riggs of Charleston, SC, died at home in the early morning of Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
His Memorial Service will be held at J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25th, with a celebration of life to follow at the home of Tommy and his smiley face gate-upstairs at 356 King Street.
Tommy attended both Charleston High and St. Andrews High School before graduating from the University of South Carolina. Tommy was a member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston and the Charleston Metro Exchange Club. He grew up working in The White House Grocery and Raley's Cafeteria, both on King Street, then later worked in preservation and historic building restoration. The "King of King Street" was a proud Charleston resident and community member and spent most of his life on King Street. He could often be found at any number of restaurants along the busy street or walking up and down, famously stretching his arms as he went. Thanks to God's grace and Tommy's fighting, strong-willed spirit, he miraculously survived a near death experience during his battle against an aggressive brain tumor over 39 years ago and has since lived a life focused on spreading God's love and joy. His humor therapy has impacted anyone who knew "Uncle Tommy." His experiences lead him to become significantly involved with Camp Bluebird and MUSC, sharing his story and smiles with all those he came in contact with. A cartoon smiley face was his calling card and is commemorated on the front gate of his building on King Street. He was a lover of laughter, popcorn, jokes, pranks, snow cone making, checkers, fiddler crab catching, cartoons, the Carolina Gamecocks, and his family.
Tommy is survived by his father, Bill Riggs; brothers, Bobby Riggs (Robin) and Ed Riggs (Becky); his five nieces and nephews, Wil Riggs (Kim), Becca Lesesne (Daniel), Henry Riggs (Maari), Ryan Riggs, and Sara Riggs; and his four great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, may be made to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, P.O. Box 250955, Charleston, SC 29425 or the Hibernian Society Building Fund, P.O. Box 134, Charleston, SC 29413.
His Memorial Service will be held at J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25th, with a celebration of life to follow at the home of Tommy and his smiley face gate-upstairs at 356 King Street.
Tommy attended both Charleston High and St. Andrews High School before graduating from the University of South Carolina. Tommy was a member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston and the Charleston Metro Exchange Club. He grew up working in The White House Grocery and Raley's Cafeteria, both on King Street, then later worked in preservation and historic building restoration. The "King of King Street" was a proud Charleston resident and community member and spent most of his life on King Street. He could often be found at any number of restaurants along the busy street or walking up and down, famously stretching his arms as he went. Thanks to God's grace and Tommy's fighting, strong-willed spirit, he miraculously survived a near death experience during his battle against an aggressive brain tumor over 39 years ago and has since lived a life focused on spreading God's love and joy. His humor therapy has impacted anyone who knew "Uncle Tommy." His experiences lead him to become significantly involved with Camp Bluebird and MUSC, sharing his story and smiles with all those he came in contact with. A cartoon smiley face was his calling card and is commemorated on the front gate of his building on King Street. He was a lover of laughter, popcorn, jokes, pranks, snow cone making, checkers, fiddler crab catching, cartoons, the Carolina Gamecocks, and his family.
Tommy is survived by his father, Bill Riggs; brothers, Bobby Riggs (Robin) and Ed Riggs (Becky); his five nieces and nephews, Wil Riggs (Kim), Becca Lesesne (Daniel), Henry Riggs (Maari), Ryan Riggs, and Sara Riggs; and his four great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, may be made to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, P.O. Box 250955, Charleston, SC 29425 or the Hibernian Society Building Fund, P.O. Box 134, Charleston, SC 29413.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Alpha Riggs, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Friday, August 25, 2017
Starts at 4:00 pm
J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel
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