Bruce Riggs Obituary

Dr. Bruce Skeen Riggs

March 28, 2026

Dr. Bruce Skeen Riggs, (Doc) to his friends and Poppy to his family went to be with his Heavenly family and God on March 28, 2026, at Holston Valley Hospital with family at his side. Doc was raised and lived in Powell Valley on one of Virginia's few recognized Centennial Family Virginia farms in the state of VA.

He's preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette and Eliza Riggs; his wife, Anne Riggs; son, Bruce M. Riggs; siblings, Grace Rose, Blanch Countiss, Virginia Roberts, Lucille Mason, James Riggs, and Lafayette 'Chippy' Riggs.

He is survived by his children, Arnold Riggs, Mary Lynn Riggs Moses, and Elizabeth Riggs McNabb (Jim ); grandchildren, Christy Stout (Jimmy), Heather Moses, Beth Laney, Aaron Moses (Stephanie), Lauren Stern (Dean), Samantha Riggs, Clark McNabb, Maureen McNabb, and Dr. Harrison McNabb; great-grandchildren, Hannah (Lexi) Moses, Isabella Gibson, Wyatt Moses, Eva Anne and Zev Stern, Jase and Blake Laney, Gabe and Katie Stout.

Doc was a man of grit, determination, and as he would always say, "moxie". He was a graduate of East Stone Gap High School and a 1954 graduate of the University of Georgia where he obtained his Doctorate degree in Veterinary medicine. After graduation he returned to Big Stone Gap and started practicing in the family smokehouse on the farm. Soon after he opened his business, Riggs Animal Hospital at 626 Wood Ave W in Big Stone Gap, VA and worked until his retirement in 2021. He was the only Vet that covered the surrounding counties including Eastern Kentucky.

He was an entrepreneur. He and his wife Anne established Riggs Oil Company and Black Diamond Markets throughout SWVA in 1970. He served on the board of directors for Black Diamond Savings and Loan. Bruce had ownership in a local coal business. His love of farming in Wise and Lee county was where he found enjoyment of the land. He remained a UGA Football Fan throughout his life. Any one who knew Doc knew he never met a stranger. He preferred the simple things of life and he enjoyed teaching his grandson Aaron about farming and cattle. Aaron was at his side at an early age and continued learning until he was able to run the farm. Doc took great pride in his family working to continue the family farm. He shared his wisdom about farming and life with friends of kids especially Phillip, Jeff and Mark Holyfield who spent a lot of time on the farm with his sons, Arnold and Bruce.

Special friends who shared with him his love of farming, friendship and help were Roger and Dale Williams, Shane Vandergriff and Bill Carter. Doc often made his way to the home of Faye and Robert Davis, then later their daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Mike Clark to share a bowl of soup beans and cornbread. He enjoyed the company and calls of his nephews Michael and Sonny Mason who loved talking about memories of life on the farm and family. He enjoyed and appreciated the friendship of all the Riggs Oil Company and Black Diamond employees.

Special acknowledge- ment to his recent caregivers, Jennifer Hartsock, Donna Mason, Lori Olinger, Kaylee Chandler, Gracie Castle and Natasha Chandler. Special caregivers who brought frequent smiles and fun conversation were great-granddaughters, Isabella Gibson and Lexi Moses. We want to thank Dr. Christopher Basham and Mt. Region Home Health for the support and care provided. Most important is he gave his soul to God many years ago during a visit with Steve "Stork" Maddox who continued to share Jesus during visits while he was ill.

Family will receive friends at his family church Legion Memorial in Powell Valley, Big Stone Gap, VA, Friday, April 3, 2026 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm with services following at 2:00pm. Graveside service will follow in the J. H. Skeen Family Cemetery at Legion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Shane Vandergriff, Teddy Collier, Ernie Hammonds, Roger Williams, Ronnie and Norman Trent.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Legion Memorial Church, PO Box 628, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or the J.H. Skeen Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box Q, Big Stone Gap, Va., 24219

Online condolences may be sent at www.estesfuneralhomes.com.

Estes Funeral Home of Coeburn, VA is honored to serve the family of Dr. Bruce Riggs.