“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
Ronald Eugene Rigsby, a man whose faith was the foundation of his life, has now received a renewed strength. Ronald unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 and is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Born January 20, 1945, in Vanceburg, Kentucky Ronald was a devoted Christian and a true student of the Bible. He did not simply read the Word—he studied it. It was not unusual to find him with several Bibles open before him, along with concordances and other study materials as he cross-referenced Scripture and sought to understand God’s Word more deeply. His faith was more than words on a page. It was something he lived out through his actions, his service, and the way he cared for those around him.
He was a longtime member of Journey Life Center, where he served his church family in many ways over the years. Ronald was a deacon and elder, served as maintenance supervisor, and he taught adult Sunday School in his younger years. He took seriously the responsibility of serving others and sharing what he had learned through his study of Scripture. His love for the Lord was evident not only in what he believed, but in the way he lived each day.
A proud Vietnam War veteran, Ronald served as a combat engineer in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on May 10, 1966. His service was an important part of who he was, and he carried that pride throughout his life. Hard working he worked as a millrite for the Steelmill in Mansfield where he retired.
At church, Ronald met the love of his life, Carol Jean Allen. The two married on May 15, 1981, and built a life filled with faith, family, hard work, and plenty of adventures. Together they shared just over forty-five years of marriage. Sadly, Jean passed away just two months before Ronald, on July 15, 2026. Those who loved Ronald find comfort in knowing that he has now been reunited with his beloved wife in the presence of the Lord.
Ronald loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Some of his best memories were made outside with his children, sharing the things he enjoyed and creating the kind of stories families tell for years. He also had a great love for motorcycles, particularly his Kawasaki RZ1000-Z1R. He and Jean enjoyed taking motorcycle trips together, making memories along the way. And when he wanted a little more fun on four wheels, Ronald enjoyed taking his dune buggy out on the road.
He was an avid poker player and enjoyed a good game of pool. Ronald believed there was a right way to shoot pool, of course, and he made sure his children learned it. He was also artistically gifted and enjoyed sketching, another quiet talent that reflected his creative side.
Ronald had a quick wit. He led his family with a quiet, sometimes stern authority—but most of the time, he didn’t need to say much. A certain look from Dad was usually enough. Those who knew that look knew exactly what it meant, and probably knew better than to ask for clarification.
He was a hardworking provider who took pride in caring for his family. More than anything, Ronald will be remembered as a faithful believer whose life pointed others toward the Lord, a loving husband and father, a proud veteran, and a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and stayed true to what mattered most.
Above all else, Ronald treasured the moments spent with his beloved dogs, Diego and Shorty.
He is survived by his children Debbie (Randy) Waugh, Ronda (Jerry) Shrimplin, David (Jennifer) Welsh, Tara (Jeremy) Shaum, and Jason (Lanetta) Amick, grandchildren Joe (Jennifer) Waugh, Debbie Maynard, Nick Waugh, and Shelly (Joshua) Robertson, Crystal (Adam) Willford, Jeremy (Kristi) Shrimplin, Jacob Shrimplin (Shannon Willey), Cameron (Abigail) Welsh, Jacob (Lexi) Welsh, Ashby (Taylor) Welsh, Raygen (Darick) Hunter, Jillian Shaum, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-grandchildren, his two fur babies Diego and Shorty, best friend Scott Cline; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol Jean Rigsby; grandchildren Jonathon Rigsby, Jennifer Brantley Boice, Travis Brantley, and Colby Hildreth, daughter Linda Rigsby Brantley, and brothers Jimmy and Everett Rigsby.
The family will receive friends Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 1-3 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where his memorial service will begin at 3 pm. Adam Willford will speak and military honors performed by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail will immediately follow on the funeral home grounds.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARC Empowerment Center.
Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Avenue Chapel, is honored to serve the Rigsby family.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com