Obituary - Dewey Nelson Riggle

Dewey Nelson Riggle, 88 passed away suddenly Friday June 20, 2025, at his Sandston home. He was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather and dear friend to many.

Born on July 1, 1936, in Crockett, Va to Floyd Sanders Riggle and Irene Aston Bennett. He graduated from Rural Retreat High School and attended Danville Tech School for Printing.

Nelson proudly served with the US Air Force and was lucky enough to be chosen as a navigator for the USAF Thunderbirds. He traveled all over the world and enjoyed his time in the service and told many stories. After leaving the service he worked for Burroughs Corporation where he met his wife Joan, or as he referred to her, his “first wife.” They enjoyed living life together for 60 years. Other places that Nelson enjoyed working for included Hudson Venetian Blind Services and Capital One, but most people knew him for selling real estate in the East End, working first for Bryl Phillip Realty and later, Long & Foster.

In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and tinkering in his garage, and researching family genealogy, but his real passion in life was working on his beloved Corvairs. He helped start the Central Va Corvair Club and was an active member for many years.

Nelson is survived by his loving wife Joan Skinner Riggle, son David Riggle of Highland Springs, and daughter and son-in-law Diana and Randy Pitcock of Mechanicsville. He was a loved ‘Dede’ to his granddaughter and grandson-in-law Abigail and Alex Overbeck of Hopewell, grandson Matthew Ryan Pitcock of Mechanicsville, and great-grandchild and namesake, Dewey Walker Overbeck, his pride and joy; devoted family friend Easter Galloway of Sandston, whom he considered closer than family, and his beloved “Ugly Cat”, along with many nieces and nephews.

Nelson had a weakness for KFC chicken and Chick-fil-A milkshakes, and like most Riggles, was a life-long ice cream addict. He looked forward to Sunday night dinners with family, a tradition that we all enjoyed and strived to maintain, despite our sometimes hectic schedules, where we would share our crazy week, and love and laugh with one another, always looking forward to the next adventure. He will be missed for his unwavering integrity, contagious sense of humor and twinkle in his eye.

The family will receive friends 2-4P.M. and 6-8P.M. Wednesday, June 25 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where a funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, June 26. Burial 4 p.m. at E. Matoaca Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, he would encourage you to support your local veterans organization.