[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF CHARLES HUTTON ``BULL'' 
                              RIGDON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that 
I rise today to recognize the life and service of my friend, Northwest 
Florida's beloved Charles Hutton ``Bull'' Rigdon, Jr. Throughout his 
long and distinguished life, Bull was a devoted family man, a patriotic 
veteran and civil servant, committed civic leader, an exceptional 
elected official, and a great friend. The entire Northwest Florida 
community mourns the passing of a truly remarkable man.
   Bull Rigdon was born in Portland, Florida on September 29, 1929, and 
he spent the majority of his childhood years growing up in beautiful 
Northwest Florida. A true patriot, Bull served with honor and 
distinction in the United States Army, where he served in both World 
War II and the Korean War. After leaving the Armed Forces, Bull 
continued his service to our Nation as a civil engineer working at 
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Thanks to his hard-work and commitment 
to excellence, Bull's 43-year career as a civil servant at Eglin Air 
Force Base was marked with wide-spread success and acclaim.
   Both during and after his extremely successful civil service career, 
Bull was also deeply involved as a leader in Northwest Florida's civic 
society. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where he 
served as a church elder, as well as a Mason and Shriner, serving as 
Past Potentate of Hadji Temple and Master Mason of Alpha Lodge #172. In 
these capacities, he helped touch the lives of countless individuals in 
Northwest Florida, and he served as a true example of selfless 
community service.
   Bull was also a dedicated local official, serving for decades in 
various electoral capacities. In 1964, he won a seat on the Fort Walton 
Beach City Council, where he served until 1981. During this stint on 
the City Council, Bull also served numerous times as Mayor Pro-Tem of 
Fort Walton Beach. Bull rejoined the City Council briefly in 1985, when 
he was asked to fill a temporary vacancy, before returning to the City 
Council full time in 2010, where he continued to serve the people of 
Fort Walton Beach until his passing.
   In addition to his exceptional service on the City Council, Bull 
also served for three decades on the Okaloosa County Gas Board, 
representing the people of Okaloosa County. He played an integral role 
helping to attract businesses and promote economic development in 
Northwest Florida, as evidenced by his election to serve as the first 
Chairman of the West Florida Regional Planning Council, as well as his 
service on the Tourist Development Council Board. On top of these 
impressive civic duties, Bull also served as CEO of the Northwest 
Florida Fair until his death. In recognition of his impressive 
leadership and dedication, the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted in 
2009 to name the fairgrounds in his honor.
   To some, Bull Rigdon will be remembered as a patriot, who answered 
the call to serve this great Nation with honor and distinction, first 
in the Armed Forces and then for more than four decades of exceptional 
civil service at Eglin Air Force Base. To others, he will be remembered 
as a man of great faith, who took on important positions at his church, 
and as a long-time elected official who went above and beyond the call 
of duty to serve the residents of the community that he called home. To 
his family and those of us who were fortunate enough to get to know 
him, Bull will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, 
grandfather, and friend.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize the life and legacy of Charles Hutton ``Bull'' Rigdon, Jr. My 
wife, Vicki, and I extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his 
wife Helen Hunt Rigdon; children, Karen Rigdon Hughes and Charles 
William Rigdon; grandchildren Charles William Lamkin, Lauren Ashley 
Rigdon, Blake William Rigdon and Montana Dodson; sister, Ouida Rigdon 
Miller; stepson, Michael B. Dodson; and the entire Rigdon family.

                          ____________________