Jerry James Rigney

February 26, 1942 - September 16, 2014

Mr. Jerry James Rigney, of Crittenden, KY. passed away Tuesday, September 16 at home at the age of 72. Mr. Rigney was born February 26, 1942 in Harlan, KY. to the late Charles V. and Gertie Mae Green Rigney. Mr. Rigney was a retired truck driver for Roadway Express, enjoyed country music, riding his Harley, his dogs and family. Jerry's favorite hobby was to work on things. Either it be for himself or for others, big or small, but if you know Jerry, bigger was better. You could usually always find him with a wrench in his hand, a busted knuckle and covered with grease. His mother Gertie once said his gift started when he was very young and she could remember people would drive to their house for Jerry to listen to their cars and tell them what was wrong with it. This won't leave with him, it will carry on thru his grandson Danny, who has been blessed with the same gift as his Grandpa. His greatest legacy he leaves with his children is no matter what their interest might have been at the time, he seen to it they all got to enjoy it. Although he might often say "You don't need that" or "you will get hurt" they usually got it. Everyone that has grown up in his family always got to be a kid. Everything from playing in a band, riding horses, learning to operate big equipment, drive tractors, 4-wheelers, lawn mowers, motorcycles, to being able to fix things on their own he gave them all a childhood to cherish. But he sure stayed busy fixing everything they broke. When they would ask if it was fixed, he would reply "Getting it a little at a time" and go back to whistling some little tune. When Jerry found out he was going to be a grandpa, he replied "I have always wanted someone to call me, grandpa". But Danny never called him grandpa, he has always called him Dad. While sitting and talking with his daughter one day recently he said, he always thought of Danny as his son. He could not have been more proud of Danny. We found in his wallet 6 pictures, 5 of which were Danny and the other was his great grand-daughter Haylee. Jerry was always proud of all as he called them "his kids" and was quick to give credit to Willie. He said she was a great mother and did a great job raising them. There wasn't a kid around that didn't love him or a person and he has left a lasting impression on everyone he knew. His son in law Bruce said, he never met a person who did not have something great to say about him. During some conversations recently he had come to realize a few things that we would like to share: 1) He said, you never know how lucky you are to have your health, until you don't. 2) You never know who your friends really are until you're sick. 3) And, always love one another. As Jerry's illness began to make him more tired and weaker, he became closer with God and spoke of conversations he had with him. Rita, his long-time girlfriend, said he had finally told God, if he was ready for him, he was ready to come home. Jerry spent his remaining time here on earth with us visiting with friends and family, and while it often exhausted him, he wouldn't have had it any other way. On Tuesday, he had his final visit with the people he loved most and God called him home. Jerry's family would like to thank everyone who has been a part of his life, visiting with him, helping out with things when he could no longer do them, your phone calls, support and all your prayers. While we all miss him and have a huge ache in our heart, Dad is smiling. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by brothers: Paul, Clarence "Tub", J. P. and Kenneth. Jerry leaves to mourn his passing a daughter: Kay Richey and her husband Bruce of Dry Ridge, KY., a grandson: Danny Rigney and his wife Kendra of Crittenden, KY. and a great granddaugher: Haylee Rigney of Crittenden, KY. a stepson: Jerry and a stepdaughter: Rita, 2 brothers: Carl Rigney of Demossville, KY. & Glenn Ike Rigney of Harlan, KY. Funeral services for Jerry James Rigney will be conducted 2:00 pm Saturday, September 20 in the chapel of the Eckler-McDaniel Funeral Home, Dry Ridge with Bro. Jerry Carmichael officiating. Visitation will be there on Saturday from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions if desired may be directed to the St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.