Charles Stewart Rigsbee

Charles Stewart Rigsbee, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023 at the age of 85. Affectionately known as Charlie, he was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, the son of the late Stewart and Gladys Rigsbee. He was the youngest of 3 children. Charlie graduated from Durham High School, received an associate’s degree from Campbell College and a bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College. He met the love of his life, Judith Gail Sampson at Campbell and they married in 1962. They were married for 61 years. In 1964 they welcomed their son Charles Jr. (Chuck) followed by daughter June in 1966.

Charlie had a successful professional career as he ultimately assumed the role of President of Rigsbee Tire Sales. He and his extended family ran the local tire business for 25 plus years. The company motto was to “Spoil the Customer” and the Durham community responded by supporting the business for nearly 3 decades. After the sale of Rigsbee Tires Sales, Charlie took the lessons learned and continued “spoiling customers” with successful business ventures, partnering with Judy in the ISC Mailroom and then I-Denti-Kid for 9 years each before retiring at age 67.

Charlie served our country in the National Guard. His dedication to community was on display as he served on the Board of the Better Business Bureau and YMCA. He joined the Durham Civitan Club in 1964 and enjoyed his membership until his recent passing. He also served as the Club’s president in 1974. Some of his favorite memories from the Civitan Club were the Holiday Fruit Cake Drives, the annual Easter Egg Hunt for special abilities children at the Murdoch Center, ringing the Salvation Army bell at Christmas, and the many friendships formed over nearly 60 years. He was also a member of the Rocky Mount Jaycee’s and the Durham Merchant’s Association.

Charlie’s faith was a cornerstone of his life as he was very involved in church. He was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served as its Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Over the years he served on numerous committees, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and led the Royal Ambassadors program for boys. He and Judy later joined Yates Baptist Church where he continued his role of service in committees and in the choir. Over the years Charlie had a special place in his heart for the home bound. He had a personal ministry of visiting those who could no longer attend church and serving and sharing meals with them.

Charlie had a sense of humor that lit up a room. He was quick to tell a joke or a fun story about the “old days”. He enjoyed golf and had a “Hole in One” at the age of 78. He was a generous and loving husband and father. He genuinely loved people of all walks of life. When you were around Charlie you felt loved.

Charlie is survived by his wife Judy, son Chuck (wife Jill), daughter June Copeland (husband Jeff), grandchildren Grace Copeland and Justin Allen (wife Cassandra), and great-grandson Beckham Allen.

Charlie was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Lynam and Bobbie Smith.

Yates Baptist Church (2819 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707) will host visitation May 20th at 10 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yates Baptist Church (yateschurch.org) or Transitions LifeCare (transitionslifecare.org).