James Swanson Rigney

James Swanson Rigney, a lifelong resident of Franklin County, died Friday, December 12, 2008 at his home. Born November 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Claude Swanson and Nannie Kate Maxey Rigney, and was also preceded in death by a son, David Lee Rigney; two brothers, Dudley and Junior Rigney; two sisters, Clara Luckado, Stella Blankenship. As a member of the legendary 3rd Platoon, Easy Co., 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, which the raised the first flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima during WWII, he was recently honored personally by the President of the United States, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the Commandant of the Marine Corp. He fought with his unit to Kitano Point, where, after lasting 32 days on the island, he was severely wounded by a mortar blast, which caused a loss of sight in his right eye and numerous fragment wounds. PFC Rigney was forced to leave the Marine Corps to complete his recovery stateside in July 1945. Mr. Rigney is survived by his wife, Marlene Reynolds Rigney; four children, Pamela Ann Campbell, Sherie Dawn Altice, James Daniel Rigney and Gail Lovonne Finney; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Myrtle Donavant, Betty Jean Hall, Irene Fralin; brother, Paul Rigney; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 with Minister Ted Clifton and Dr. Jackie Spence officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.