Ernest X. Riggins 1940-2022
YOUNGSTOWN — Ernest X. Riggins, 82, departed this life, Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 1:15 p.m., at Hospice House, following complications from an extended illness.
He was born Feb. 4, 1940, in Yazoo City, Miss., the son of Elder George Herbert and Mary Thomas Riggins, residing in the area for 51 years.
Ernest was employed with the Youngstown Easter Seals for 12 years as a bus driver, before retiring in 2010. He was also an inspector for U.S. Steel (McDonald). He was an outstanding guitar player for more than 70 years, playing for Nostalgia, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Percy Sledge.
He was a member of the Nation of Islam Temple 9 and enjoyed music, playing his guitar and was an avid boxing fan. He was a 1958 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.
He leaves to mourn two sons, Gary (April) Riggins of Warren and Dennis (Marilyn) Riggins of Atlanta, Ga.; three daughters, Mrs. Pamela (Gerry) Morgan-Sire of Columbus, Ms. Natalie Riggins of Atlanta, Ga. and Ms. Saroya Riggins of Grayson, Ga.; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Emmanuel Riggins; and two sisters, Ms. Nathaliah E. Carver and Mrs. Rosetta Butler.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, April 23, 2022, with calling hours from 11 a.m. to noon, at Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery.
Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Home.
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