Everett R. Rigsby went home to be with the Lord at the age of 73 on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. He left us far too soon, but his passing was a peaceful one. He spent his final moments at his home in Dade City, Florida, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Vanceburg, Kentucky to Ronald and Flossie Rigsby, Everett was the youngest of three brothers. The family later relocated to Mansfield, Ohio. As a young man he worked in the automotive recycling industry. Everett was not only employed in the industry; he loved all things automotive. He raced stock cars for several years, and he was a loyal NASCAR fan all his life. During the Blizzard of '77, Everett and his wife, Pamela, decided that they had had enough of Ohio's harsh winters. They sold the home that they had built together and relocated to Zephyrhills, Florida.

Leveraging his previous experience in the world of automotive recycling, Everett, along with Pamela, opened Rigsby's Auto Salvage in 1977. In addition to successfully operating the salvage yard for 44 years, Everett was a co-founder of Barely Used Auto Parts, an association of several local salvage yards. He also served multiple terms on the board of directors of the Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Association (FADRA), and was a regular attendee of the annual FADRA convention and trade show. Locator Magazine named Everett "Boss of the Year" for 2001.

Everett made a lasting contribution to the automotive recycling industry, but his most enduring legacy is that of a life well lived. His genuine warmth and joyful disposition endeared him to everyone he met. New acquaintances often commented that they felt as though they had known him all their lives. He and a tight-knit group of friends played cards and golfed together for over 35 years. Their fellowship remained unbroken through his illness, and they were by his side until the end. His grandsons will always remember how it felt to be with their "Papaw": the excitement of the forklift rides; the joy of swimming in the pool while he grilled burgers; the crushing despair of his Uno "Draw Four" cards. To his family he was an inexhaustible well of love and support. We are saddened by having lost him, but we are better for having known him.

Everett is preceded in death by: his parents, Ronald and Flossie Rigsby; his brother Jimmy Rigsby; his niece Linda Kay Rigsby; his wife, Pamela L. Rigsby (deceased 2009); his wife, Karen Page Rigsby (deceased 2020). He is survived by: his daughter, Rachel Rigsby-Lare; his son, Everett Rigsby II; his son-in-law, Chad Lare; his grandsons, Andrew Lare and Caleb Lare; his brother and his sister-in-law, Eugene Rigsby and Carol J. Rigsby; his nieces and nephews Debra Waugh, Ronda Shrimplin, Christina Wilcox, and Ted Rigsby.

Services will be held at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 U.S. Highway 301, Dade City, FL. Visiting hours will be Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Everett's name to the Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship fund directly benefits the employees of auto recyclers and their children. Your donation will honor Everett's legacy and further the education of the next generation. Please make checks payable to: FADRA, P.O. Box 770070, Winter Garden, FL 34777. (Write "Rigsby Scholarship Fund" on the memo line.) If you prefer to donate by phone, call 407-614-8354.

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City)

Friday, September 15, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Directions Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City)

Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Directions Funeral Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City)

Saturday, September 16, 2023 11:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Directions