Samuel "Sam" Gideon Riggs

Some say that Angels don't walk on earth, but for five years, God granted us an earth-bound Angel. While Samuel Gideon Riggs' life was short, it was full of blessings. Without fail, once you met him, you fell in love with him.

His laughter was contagious and the sweetest sound in the world; second only to Sam and his sister, Catie, laughing together.

While most kids had a favorite sport or toy, he was more into music. Sam's love of music was definitely diverse, from classical to Christian rock, classic rock to musicals, and kid’s songs, as well. Never Cocomelon, but always Super Simple Songs, especially if Miss Caitie was singing.

He danced and sang to the beat of his own drum, singing the song of his people to all who heard him. Even though Sam had many challenges in his life, he fought each of them.While mostly nonverbal, he still communicated with those whom he was close, even if it was a line from a song to ask to talk to someone.

Sam was well known for his cuddles and was learning to give kisses. His sweet smile, personality, and beautiful blue eyes will be missed. Sam was born on August 1, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida. Sam passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of five. 
 

 Nothing can prepare you for losing a child, even if the odds were against said child from the beginning. However, with God and countless prayers, Sam became stronger and grew to be a loving and sweet boy, until God called him home. Heaven had a welcome party waiting for his arrival with many family members greeting him; Great-grandparents, Robert and Irma Hood, Cordelia Miller, John and Esther Miller, Ralph and Teresa Riggs, William and Marie Stack; God-brothers, John Christopher and William Arnone;  and Mom’s cousin, Ryan Stack.

 He is the second child of Cody and Heather (Stack) Riggs;  little brother of Catie (Catherine); Grandson of Linda Bush, Jansey (Yvonne) Riggs, Donald (Holly) Stack, and Lois Stack; Nephew of Kyle (Ana) Bush, Joshua (Kaitlin) Fosse, Aubrey Riggs, Greg Stack, and Jeff Stack; Cousin of Jay Fosse and Owen and Ethan Stack; Godson of Candice Arnone and Robert Barker; and God-brother to Ezra and Asher Barker.

Sam's services will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023  at Davis Watkins Funeral Home on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Burial at Beal Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service at 316 Beal Parkway Northwest in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

At the request of big sister, Catie,  please wear your favorite color to the service to celebrate Sam's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sam’s name to the Ronald McDonald House of Pensacola, Florida.