Celebrating the life of
Walter E. Riggs
November 03, 1947 - March 05, 2010
Savannah- Walter E. Riggs, 62, died March 5, 2010 at Memorial University Medical Center.
He was born on November 3, 1947 in Madison, Ohio to the late Walter and Anna Riggs. He graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1965, received a BA 1969 and MS 1972 from Clemson University, and completed his MBA 1979 and his Ph.D. 1981 in Operations Management at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Riggs was Associate Professor of Management at the Georgia State University School of Business Administration in Atlanta for many years before retiring to Savannah in 2003. Deciding to teach a few classes, he joined the faculty at South University where he quickly became the department chair and finally, the Founding Dean of the School of Business. Retiring from South University in 2008, he returned to the classroom and enjoyed teaching at Strayer University during the last year of his life.
Active in community affairs, Dr. Riggs was a member of East Rotary, Boys and Girls Club of America, Board member of Greenbrier Alumni Association and dedicated member of the boating boys at Tubby's.
Surviving is his wife, Roberta Carver. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Walt and I were close pals for many years. We met when he was a student at Clemson and came horseback riding at a classmate's farm where I also rode. We stayed close through his Clemson and UNC days, our USC days, my NYC time, and then back to Columbia when we were both in graduate programs. 'Uncle Wally' and I knew we could count on each other when we needed an escort, even after he moved to GSU. Then I married and moved, he married, and life intervened and we lost touch. I will always regret that we didn't keep up with each other's lives. I wish I had met you, Roberta, and known about Walt's life in Savannah. I have so many fond memories of Walt, and will treasure them always. Beth Chastain
- Elizabeth Chastain, Chapel Hill, NC
Walt, a great man, a great loss and all too soon. He touched our lives and our hearts and found easy friendship with all whom were lucky enough to meet him. We were blessed to have known him...but Walt's passing has devastated Mike who has lost a dear friend with whom he shared many happy hours and some fishing trips - where nothing was ever caught, but many laughs were enjoyed and great stories were fabricated! We offer our condolences to his family and other friends, and to Roberta we offer help if required, support if needed and future friendship always.
- Mike & Karen Pranschke, Thunderbolt, GA
Roberta, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Walt's death. I do so wish that I had known as I would have certainly been there for you. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.
- Libba Ulery Wiles, Columbia, SC
I am deeply saddened and extend my Deepest Condolences to the family and friends of Walt Riggs. Walt and I served together on the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association Board of Directors. Walt was wholly supportive of our efforts to bring Leadership Education and Scholarships to potential leaders in our Public Schools and preserve the legacy of Greenbrier for future generations. Walt will certainly be missed in our Boardroom. We have lost a true friend and an exceptional individual. Walt was typical of the many thousands of Leaders for all walks of life that attended Greenbrier the 160 years from 1812 through 1972. We will miss Walt's humor, intellectual contributions, and his love for Greenbrier Military School.
- Deak Roberts, CANTON, OH
Walt and I graduated from Greenbrier Military School and served together on the alumni board of directors. A true Clemson Tiger, he and I attended the 2008 Gator Bowl, Clemson vs. Nebraska. Even with all our shouting and cheering the Tigers lost in a great game. I will remember that game and many other wonderful times. A true friend.
- Grey Webb, St. Augustine, FL
Roberta, You have my sincere sympathy in your loss of Walt. John
- John A., Brown, Savannah, GA
Roberta, Our love and prayers are with you during this time. May God Bless and Keep You, Arvin, Martha and Alana Ward
- Martha Ward, Savannah, GA
Roberta, I hold you up in prayer for strength and comfort. Walt was special to many. To me, he was a mentor, a boss, a friend. He made me laugh when I wanted to cry. I feel blessed to have experienced the compassionate, dedidicated, caring side of Walt. He will surely be missed. Ruth Essler
- Ruth Essler, , GA
Walt and I graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1965. He was accomplished then and throughout his life he continued maintaining the highest of standards; I remember many a conversation about institutional accreditation and how important it was. As a Board Member of our Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association, Walt played an integral role in our growth and sustainability and he will be greatly missed by us all.
- John D. Byrnes, Winter Park, FL
Dr. Riggs was my professor at Strayer, and I just knew when he walked in the class, I needed to walk out and drop the class. However, I didn't and I am glad I didn't. Dr. Riggs has been the most influential professor I have ever met, and it is really a blessing to have been lectured by him. I strongly believe that he is lecturing the angels in heaven. This experience has allowed me to believe, that you can't judge a book by it's cover. May God Bless Mrs. Riggs and her family. Tamika,
- Tamika, Pooler, GA
Walt was a mentor to me when I was getting my PhD at USC with him. His laughter was contagious! He had such a great sense of humor. I'm glad that we stayed friends over the years. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. He was a great friend.
- Jan Minifie, Austin, TX
To one of my Best Buddys<< You Will Be Missed by Me and Many Others. RIP
- Jim Ayers, Savannah, GA
Walt was a strong source of support for me when we were in school together and in my early career. He cared deeply about his students and his friends. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- Dan Sherrell, Collierville, TN
Dr. Riggs was my first and favorite teacher I have had at Strayer University. I truly enjoyed his lectures and how he shared his experiences with us, his class. I did not know him on a personal basis, just as my teacher, but I can imagine, he was a pretty cool guy to be around. He will definetly be missed around the campus! Rest in Peace Dr. Riggs, we will miss you!
- Rebekah Manson, Rincon, GA
Walt and I were close pals for many years. We met when he was a student at Clemson and came horseback riding at a classmate's farm where I also rode. We stayed close through his Clemson and UNC days, our USC days, my NYC time, and then back to Columbia when we were both in graduate programs. 'Uncle Wally' and I knew we could count on each other when we needed an escort, even after he moved to GSU. Then I married and moved, he married, and life intervened and we lost touch. I will always regret that we didn't keep up with each other's lives. I wish I had met you, Roberta, and known about Walt's life in Savannah. I have so many fond memories of Walt, and will treasure them always. Beth Chastain
- Elizabeth Chastain, Chapel Hill, NC
Walt, a great man, a great loss and all too soon. He touched our lives and our hearts and found easy friendship with all whom were lucky enough to meet him. We were blessed to have known him...but Walt's passing has devastated Mike who has lost a dear friend with whom he shared many happy hours and some fishing trips - where nothing was ever caught, but many laughs were enjoyed and great stories were fabricated! We offer our condolences to his family and other friends, and to Roberta we offer help if required, support if needed and future friendship always.
- Mike & Karen Pranschke, Thunderbolt, GA
Roberta, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Walt's death. I do so wish that I had known as I would have certainly been there for you. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.
- Libba Ulery Wiles, Columbia, SC
I am deeply saddened and extend my Deepest Condolences to the family and friends of Walt Riggs. Walt and I served together on the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association Board of Directors. Walt was wholly supportive of our efforts to bring Leadership Education and Scholarships to potential leaders in our Public Schools and preserve the legacy of Greenbrier for future generations. Walt will certainly be missed in our Boardroom. We have lost a true friend and an exceptional individual. Walt was typical of the many thousands of Leaders for all walks of life that attended Greenbrier the 160 years from 1812 through 1972. We will miss Walt's humor, intellectual contributions, and his love for Greenbrier Military School.
- Deak Roberts, CANTON, OH
Walt and I graduated from Greenbrier Military School and served together on the alumni board of directors. A true Clemson Tiger, he and I attended the 2008 Gator Bowl, Clemson vs. Nebraska. Even with all our shouting and cheering the Tigers lost in a great game. I will remember that game and many other wonderful times. A true friend.
- Grey Webb, St. Augustine, FL
Roberta, You have my sincere sympathy in your loss of Walt. John
- John A., Brown, Savannah, GA
Roberta, Our love and prayers are with you during this time. May God Bless and Keep You, Arvin, Martha and Alana Ward
- Martha Ward, Savannah, GA
Roberta, I hold you up in prayer for strength and comfort. Walt was special to many. To me, he was a mentor, a boss, a friend. He made me laugh when I wanted to cry. I feel blessed to have experienced the compassionate, dedidicated, caring side of Walt. He will surely be missed. Ruth Essler
- Ruth Essler, , GA
Walt and I graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1965. He was accomplished then and throughout his life he continued maintaining the highest of standards; I remember many a conversation about institutional accreditation and how important it was. As a Board Member of our Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association, Walt played an integral role in our growth and sustainability and he will be greatly missed by us all.
- John D. Byrnes, Winter Park, FL
Dr. Riggs was my professor at Strayer, and I just knew when he walked in the class, I needed to walk out and drop the class. However, I didn't and I am glad I didn't. Dr. Riggs has been the most influential professor I have ever met, and it is really a blessing to have been lectured by him. I strongly believe that he is lecturing the angels in heaven. This experience has allowed me to believe, that you can't judge a book by it's cover. May God Bless Mrs. Riggs and her family. Tamika,
- Tamika, Pooler, GA
Walt was a mentor to me when I was getting my PhD at USC with him. His laughter was contagious! He had such a great sense of humor. I'm glad that we stayed friends over the years. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. He was a great friend.
- Jan Minifie, Austin, TX
To one of my Best Buddys<< You Will Be Missed by Me and Many Others. RIP
- Jim Ayers, Savannah, GA
Walt was a strong source of support for me when we were in school together and in my early career. He cared deeply about his students and his friends. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- Dan Sherrell, Collierville, TN
Dr. Riggs was my first and favorite teacher I have had at Strayer University. I truly enjoyed his lectures and how he shared his experiences with us, his class. I did not know him on a personal basis, just as my teacher, but I can imagine, he was a pretty cool guy to be around. He will definetly be missed around the campus! Rest in Peace Dr. Riggs, we will miss you!
- Rebekah Manson, Rincon, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

