By Staff
January 25, 2008
Rev. Dr. W. Malcolm (Mac) Rigel, 81, of Lake Wales, Fla., died peacefully at his home on January 25, 2008. A north Alabama native, he was the 11th of 13 children. As a Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific during WWII. He was a pastor, evangelist, professor, counselor, builder, song writer and mentor. He was instrumental in the founding and development of Warner Southern College. He built and pastored churches in six states and preached at numerous state youth conventions, camp meetings and revivals. Standing firm on the foundation of Christ, as he journeyed he challenged, aided, guided, pushed and loved each person he met as unique and worthy.
He was preceded in death by a son Peter Dale Rigel, 1953, and grandson Joshua Kester Rigel, 1989.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha H. Rigel, children William Malcolm Rigel Jr. and wife Linda, Jim Rigel and wife Cheryl, Paul (P.G.) Rigel and wife Colleen, Robin Rigel Snyder and husband Bill, Angela Rigel Flickema and husband Bryan, Michael McIntosh Rigel, 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial Services was held at the South Lake Wales Church of God with the Rev. Bob Beckler and Dr. Greg Hall officiating.
Donations may be made to the Rigel Scholarship Fund at Warner Southern College, 13895 Highway 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859.