David "Coach" Riggins' Obituary
David Wayne (“Coach”) Riggins, 71, of Cornelius passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in his home on April 19, 2023. He was born on February 8, 1952 in SC to the late Margaret and Fred Riggins.
David received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina and remained a passionate Gamecock fan for life. He went on to coach high school basketball, winning eight conference championships and three SC state championships. He joined Mars Hill University in 1986 as the head men’s basketball coach, a position he held for 13 years before becoming athletic director. During his 32 years at MHU, David became the winningest head men’s basketball coach in school history and was inducted into the Mars Hill Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2018, MHU’s basketball court was named the David Riggins Court in his honor. David was inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame in 2019 and received the inaugural SAC David Riggins Service Award that same year. The award is now bestowed annually on an administrator that demonstrates outstanding service to his/her institution and to the South Atlantic Conference. David had a deep love for and devotion to Jesus Christ and his family, serving as a wonderful husband, father, and brother. He also had an unmatched appreciation for all things related to athletics. David’s unwavering dedication to faith, family, work, and community serves as an inspiration to all who knew him. He left a mark on all of our hearts and he will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years Rita Ryals Riggins; sons Chase (Lauren) of Davidson, NC and Kyle (Janie) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren Ryals, Brooks, Davis, and Hadley; and sister Teresa Deaver of Florence, SC.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, April 23 at James Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC with Pastor John Hill officiating. A reception will immediately follow. In the spirit of celebration, the family encourages casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mars Hill University Lions Athletic Club. Donations can be made online at https://www.mhu.edu/alumni/giving/. Please select the Tribute option to indicate that the gift is in memory of David and select the designation "Lions Athletic Club." Donations can also be made by mailing a check to the address below. Please indicate in the memo line that the donation is for the Lions Athletic Club and in memory of David.
Office for Institutional Advancement
Mars Hill University
P.O. Box 6792
Mars Hill, NC 28754
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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