Rev. Dr. Roy M. Rigdon

Rev. Roy Matthew Rigdon was called Home on Friday, August 19, 2022.

Roy was born on September 10, 1939, in DeFuniak Springs, FL, to the late Matthew and Martha Ann Adams Rigdon. Mrs. Rigdon died during childbirth and Roy was adopted into the family of Hampton and Fannie Montgomery, of Red Bay, FL.

He graduated from Walton High School, DeFuniak Springs, in 1959. He later surrendered to preach in 1965, enrolled at the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville, FL, and graduated in 1968. He also received a doctorate degree in Theology from the North Carolina College of Theology, and an honorary doctorate degree in Sacred Literature from Bethany Divinity College & Seminary.

His first pastorate was at Bridge Creek Baptist Church, Ponce de Leon, FL. He also pastored at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Bonifay, FL, and New Home Baptist Church, Perry, FL. He served as Assistant Pastor at North Side Baptist Church, DeFuniak Springs, FL, and Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Ponce de Leon, and was the founder and director of Mt. Zion Youth & Adult Camp, Ponce de Leon. He was well known for preaching at revivals and Camp Meetings. Rev. Rigdon moved to North Carolina in 1983 and served as interim pastor at various churches in North Carolina and Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Riley-Rigdon; daughters, Martha Jo St. Marie, Beth Pressley (Donnie), Lori Taylor (Tom), and Robin Riley; son Rory Rigdon (Melody); 16 grand, 16 great-grandchildren, and several cousins living in Florida.

His family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow with The Rev. Doctor Ralph Sexton, Jr., and Pastor Billy Cashwell officiating. Pastor Allen Rash will conduct the graveside service at Shepherd Memorial Park.

The church service will be live streamed at TBCAVL.com/Roy.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family