Dr. Robert (Bob) Dale Riggs passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 21, 2024.

He was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas on June 15, 1932 to Rosa MacDowell (Mack) Riggs and Grace Million Riggs. Bob graduated from Maynard High School in 1950 and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. While at the University of Arkansas, he earned a bachelors and masters degree and met the love of his life, Jennie Lee Willis. They were married in June, 1954. Bob went on to earn a doctorate at North Carolina State University and returned to Fayetteville in 1958 to begin work in Plant Pathology at the University of Arkansas. During his years at the university, Dr. Riggs’ research and publications earned him many honors and awards, as well as international recognition for his advances in controlling pests harmful to soybeans.

His honors included the John White Award from the Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas for outstanding contributions to research in 1989, Distinguished Faculty Achievement in Research from the University of Arkansas in 1993, the Honor Award from the U. S . Department of Agriculture in 1994 for his studies on the soybean cyst nematode, and the Spitze Land Grant Award from the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College in 2001. He also served for a time as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nematology, the publication of the Society of Nematologists. He retired in 2006 with Professor Emeritus status. Bob was an active member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville for more than 70 years. He was also a member of the American Phytopathological Society and the Society of Nematologists. He enjoyed reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and watching western movies.

He was proud to have been born and raised in the state of Arkansas and was especially proud of sharing his birthday with his home state. He was also a staunch Razorback fan and held the same football tickets for more than 50 years. He is survived by his four children: Rebecca Dawn Riggs, Deborah Lee Sattely (husband Art), Robert Dale Riggs, Jr. (wife Theresa), and James Michael Riggs (wife Barbara); four grandchildren: David Riggs (wife Paige), Robbi Riggs, Ashley Riggs, and Michael Riggs; and five great-grandchildren: Ethan, Violet, Fletcher, Norah, and Heidi. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Riggs; his parents Mack and Grace Riggs; two brothers: William Riggs and Ronald Riggs; and three sisters: Maxine Sago, Emma Rapert and Mary Decker. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville on November 22, 2024 at 3:00. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Stash Busters Quilt Group and Washington County Historical Society.