Johnny Jay Riggins

Johnny Jay Riggins passed away on February 29, 2020 at his home in Beach City. He was born on September 26, 1943 to J.D. and Florence Riggins.

John or “J.J.”, as he was known on the docks, was a 4th generation longshoreman at the Port of Houston. The name Riggins was one of several families that started the Port of Houston. “Safety First” was his rule. John was highly respected because of his work ethics and proficiency in running any type of crane. He was a walking foreman who was responsible for loading and unloading entire ships. He was proud of being the ship walking foreman over the gangs responsible for unloading the massive red pipe that is focal point of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Anyone that knew John knew he was an A1 fisherman and he loved the sport. He also enjoyed playing and teaching pool to family and friends. He enjoyed riding his Honda motorcycle, Bergman 650 scooter, and going sailing. John was very competitive with everything including the board game Back-up 8 and cards. He loved joking around and playing pranks. He was compassionate and enjoyed helping people. John was a man’s man who enjoyed life because he knew his Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Florence Riggins; sister, Sandra Riggins Bole; brother, Randall Riggins; and his grandson, Daniel Riggins.

John is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Cynthia Kay Riggins; son, Bo Riggins and wife Debbie; daughters, Sherry Denise Bulanek and husband Glenn, and Tammy Lynn Platt and husband John; sister, Lounette Riggins; brothers, Thomas (Butch) Riggins and wife Hattie; grandchildren, Michelle, Cody, Kory, Alicia, Mason, Ashley, T.J., Tiffany, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Axtin, Adalie, Alexis, Hemi, Bodi, Evelyn, Aria, Landon, Laci, Cailey, Bailey, Conner, Hunter, and Bryan. He is also survived by his brother-like cousin and best buddy, Ronnie Riggins, extended family and friends.