DONALD WAYNE RIGNEY

Donald W. Rigney, 71, passed to be with his maker July 25, 2021. He was born August 6, 1949 to Stance and Martha Rigney in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Don married Kay Sudduth on November 26, 1969 and they had been together for more than 50 years.

Don was an honorable and amazing man. He was an exceptional teacher, homebuilder, a pilot, and lover of motorcycle rides, computer technology, and his dog Trixie. Don was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a true friend.

He is survived by the love of his life, Kay;  2 daughters, Valerie McAnally (Kent) and Kelli Rigney-Wolfe (Todd);  1 brother, Stance Rigney,  Jr;  many grandchildren, Sabrina, Hillary, Jeremiah, and Anna McAnally, Olivia, Garrett, and Alli Merryman, Christian and Grace Stanley, Alyssa and April Wolfe. Andrea, Miguel, Daniel, Gabriel Fernandez Rigney, Jack Guarino, and Bruno Malacarne  great grandchildren, Mason, Logan, and Michael;  chosen daughters, Yvette Fernandez (Christian) and Elise Malacarne;  several nieces and nephews. He was honored by being chosen to be “Grandpa Don” for all of the Plank family.

Don started early in life looking out for others. There is not enough space to list all that he has done but for starters: he was active in Christian youth organizations, the 1st ROTC Cadet Commander at the University of South Alabama, 27 years of active duty military to include being a Search and Rescue Pilot for the United States Coast Guard in different parts of the world. Among many awards and military medals, The Distinguished Flying Cross for saving nine people off a sailboat in the middle of a hurricane was his most treasured. Don loved helping people, which lead him to become a member of the Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity and a mentor to many young people. In the last days of his life from his hospital bed, Don continued to guide and give life instructions to others. Don will be greatly missed by all those who love him and those he loved. He would have liked to share his favorite prayer: Dear God, Your Will, Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else. Amen

Services were held on Thursday, July 29, 2021.  Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Memorials can be made to Our Kids 201 California Ave Libby, MT 59923.  Checks payable to Tammy Brown. Venmo: Kelli-Wolfe-10

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.