Mark Riggles

Mark Riggles passed away early in the morning June 7, 2023. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert James Riggles. He is survived by his best friend and partner of 19 years, Cheryl Nish of Christiansburg; parents, Bessie and CMSgt Ret. Robert Riggles of Boones Mill, VA; sisters, Jean Frangolawkis and husband Mitch of Hardy, VA; Melinda Caudle and husband Eric of Kernersville NC; sister-in-law, Cara Riggles of Bassett, VA. Also survived by nine nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and nephews; as well as very dear friends and many acquaintances, since he never met a stranger.

Born at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida on June 11, 1965, his childhood was filled with many adventures. Growing up in a military family, they had assignments in Alaska, Louisiana, South Carolina and Utah. Wherever the family went, he made friends easily. He loved spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting with his dad and brother, camping and exploring with the Boy Scouts, riding his snow mobile with the family dog and using his cross-country skis to get to school while stationed in Alaska. He graduated from Ben Eielson High School Alaska Class of 1983. At the end of that year, he enlisted in the US Army - delayed enlistment program and was actually inducted Feb 2, 1984. Mark received special attention and awards from the US army and special recognition from the German Army while serving overseas.

While a young soldier in Germany, he sought to experience as much as he could. On weekend passes and leaves, he went to Italy, UK, France and Netherlands. He learned to ski, learned the language, tried new foods and drinks, and learned to cook. He was honorably discharged in 1987 and came home to Virginia, as his parents had retired and moved to Boones Mill, VA.

After settling in Virginia, he took classes at Virginia Western Community College and some classes at Radford University. He worked many jobs and positions in the community. During his years of employment, he worked at Volvo, Yokahama, Phoenix Packaging, Corning, Roanoke Electric Steel, even receiving certification to sell insurance, making lasting friendships along the way. The last 9 years he worked in shipping at Federal Mogul-Tennecco. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Memorial Services will begin at 4 p.m. in the Chapel.