Rufus "Mack" Riggs, age 80, died of a heart attack at his home in Candor, NY in the arms of his loving wife, Shellie. He is predeceased by his mother, Josephine Herrington Riggs, his father, Clyde Landis Riggs, his first wife, Leona Johnson. He was a father figure to Clay, Mikal, and Sharee as well as Maygon who is deceased.

Mack is survived by his loving wife of four years, Shellie Moats Riggs, his step-children Andrew Pratt and Mara Pratt, his brother, Bob (Nancy) and their children, Joellen (Christian), of Candor, Robert (Katie), of Zionsville, IN, and Elizabeth (Bryan), of Chevy Chase, MD, and their grandchildren, Wesley, Francesca, Ilana, Myles, Shai, and Eliana, all of whom dearly loved their Uncle Mack.

He was a very proud Army veteran who served with distinction in Vietnam, Germany, Korea, and various US posts. He has been the Commander of American Legion Post 907 here in Candor since shortly after moving to Candor in 2018. He was also a member and past Commander of VFW Post 1371, as well as a member of the Disabled Veterans of America, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and he was a very active member of the American Legion Honor Guard and the VFW Post 1371 Honor Guard.

Mack had a very big heart. He spent much of his adult life after the Army working as a carpenter/handy-man. More often than not he did work for people who could not afford to pay him. He just did the work because someone really needed the help.

He carried that giving attitude with him when he moved to Candor spending many hours helping fellow veterans and their families until the day he died.

He loved hunting and fishing, but mostly he loved his wife, Shellie, and serving his fellowman.

He will be missed but his legacy of generosity, kindness, and good humor has infected many and will live on.

The family will receive friends, Friday, May 29, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 12:00 Noon. Followed the services by a luncheon at American Legion Post 907.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Legion College Scholarship Fund

American Legion Post 907

P.O. Box 46

Candor, NY 13743.