Dr. Richard Otis Rigsby

Dr. Richard Otis Rigsby went home to be with the Lord in La Mirada, California on December 3, 2018 at the age of 83. He was born on October 28, 1935 in Miami, Florida to Otis and Dixie Rigsby. From the age of 12 his relationship with God was central in his life. He was enthusiastically involved in various church activities and he pastored several Baptist churches from the age of 25 until the time that his health seriously deteriorated, shortly before his passing.

He grew up attending school in Miami, Florida, completing his undergraduate degree at Stetson University in Florida. He was drafted into the Army for the Korean War and it was during his military service that he pastored his first church. Realizing the need for further education, he attained a Masters degree from Golden Gate Seminary in California.

On June 12, 1965, in Mill Valley, California he married Donna Ann Duncan. Although they would live most of their lives in California, they moved to Kentucky for his doctoral studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he obtained his PhD. During this time they were blessed with two sons, Curtis in April 1969, and John in June 1971.
His career as professor included positions at Simpson College and Golden Gate Seminary, but his vocational home and the largest part of his career was at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He lovingly served there for 37 years, cherishing precious friendships with his colleagues and fellow staff, and inspiring and encouraging thousands of students both young and old. Directing the Talbot Bible Lands program was one of his greatest joys.

His many interests included a passion for books and music. Despite his busy schedule of teaching and preaching, he always made his family his first priority. Spending time with them was his greatest passion, and notably included many happy family times at Disneyland.

He is survived by his wife Donna, his sons Curtis and John, and their wives, Naoko and Kerry respectively, and by his eight grandchildren: Emma and Josiah (Curtis family), and Andrew, Adam, Anna, Angel, Aaron, and Aden (Johns family).

A Celebration to the Glory of God for his life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 12717 Santa Gertrudes Ave., La Mirada, California 90638.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Talbot Deans Fund by making checks payable to Biola University and mailed to:

Talbot School of Theology
Attn: Sandra Orr
13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90639