Fred Warren (Buck) Rigdon, Jr. died May 12 in Savannah where he had gone for care near the home of his daughter, Abby Murphy. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family.
Buck was born on May 23, 1948, the son of Fred Warren and Martha Williams Rigdon. Having lived in this community most of his life, he was involved in almost every aspect of its being.
After graduating from high school and Berry College, he received his law degree from John Marshall School of Law in Atlanta and returned to Tifton in 1976 to work in the District Attorney’s office. Later he opened his own practice and was fortunate in his choice of partners. Judge Melanie Cross was a firm friend and partner for many years until becoming Superior Court Judge. Chad Van Orman joined him in 2012 and enabled Buck to gradually retired from his law practice, confident that his clients would be well served. For his friends in the legal community, the city and county governments, and in the community law enforcement, he had great respect.
Returning to Tifton, he quickly developed new friends, many times centered around his love of sports especially basketball and tennis. He was a great coach and mentor for many children in this community and had great associations with many other coaches.
Passionate that every child should have an opportunity, he was appointed juvenile court judge which became for him an avocation as well as a vocation. He frequently dispersed unorthodox judgments all with the idea of rehabilitating and giving children and their families another chance.
Elected to the county commission in 2004, he often worked behind the scenes, advocating peace and harmony between our local governments and the people who serve in those governments. He believed strongly in the concept of fairness, forgiveness, and treating people well.
In the process of this busy life, he met Lydia Haman who became his wife and with her had his only daughter, Abby. Later after their separation, Buck and Lydia remained great friends and mutual advocates always unified in their desire for the best life and teaching for their child. Together, they raised Abby and received through her, a wonderful son-in-law, attorney Chris Murphy of Savannah, and through him in-laws, Dr. Mark and Daphne Murphy – also of Savannah – a very strong family support. Later, his only grandchild, Violet Murphy was born with whom he developed a close relationship.
Buck had many interests. He was a passionate student of history, current affairs, and literature. He was a lifelong learner. He loved sports and spending time with his many friends. For 37 years, on most Saturdays, he had lunch with Pat Stone frequently joined by his wife Kelly and others including Darian and Melanie Peavy, Jay Short, and Dr. Langston Cleveland and many others. Through his sports world, he had many friends with whom he loved to exchange casual banter (AKA trash talk, at which he excelled). He loved friendly competition. Through this extended network, Will Flowers, Todd Applewhite, Dr. Cameron Nixon, and many others remained fast friends throughout his life.
Buck was a kind and caring person always trying to do right by everyone, never holding a grudge, seeking peace and always the common good.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Chris Murphy; his granddaughter, Violet Murphy; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Steve and Jeannie Rigdon; his niece, Alice Rigdon; his nephew, David and wife Alexandra Rigdon; and great-nephews, Andrew, Jacob, and Theo Rigdon.
The family will receive community visitation at the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on May 22, 2025. His funeral will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, of the Memorial Day weekend, which would also be his birthday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial gift to a favorite charity.