George Benjamin Rigdon

George Benjamin Rigdon was born on July 23rd, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland and passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2021 at age 97 in his home on the farm where he was raised in Jarrettsville, Maryland.

He was married to the late Mary Elizabeth Wysong Rigdon and blessed with two sons, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Descending from their eldest son, Henry Benjamin Rigdon, and his wife, Elizabeth League Rigdon, are George Benjamin Rigdon III, John Andrew Rigdon, and Sara Elizabeth Powel. From their youngest son, John Alexander Rigdon and his wife, Andrea McGuirk Rigdon, are Chad Alexander Rigdon, William Ashton Rigdon, Harrison Lee Rigdon, and Julia Paige Regan.

George, the son of Henry and Margaret Chapman Rigdon, was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Mary Rigdon and his infant sister, Henrietta Rigdon. George descends from Harford County’s earliest English colonists and shared a namesake with his grandfather. He oversaw the family farm on Rigdon Road which possesses a lineage through a land grant from the King of England. He graduated from Jarrettsville High School in 1940 and then returned to help with the family’s tomato canning business while he earned a certificate in electrical engineering through the University of Maryland at College Park before enlisting in the United States Navy. He was commissioned for training in Chicago and then stationed at the shipyard in San Diego during his service in WWII.

After the war, George served continuously for thirty-two years as a rural letter carrier between the Rocks and Jarrettsville offices for the United States Postal Service. George was a lifetime member of the Jarrettsville Lions Club where he held many positions, including President. He was instrumental in establishing the annual Lions’ circus and later organizing the carnival as well as the accompanying parade. George and Mary were recognized by the Harford County Farm Bureau, receiving the Farmer of the Year award in 2009. They were also honored as Harford County Living Treasures later in their lives.

George was a respected member of the community who lived a long, healthy life and he will be recalled for his kindness and humility. He was a supportive husband, a hard worker, and was always willing to offer his assistance, especially for his family, doing so until he was no longer able. He was often sought out when a repair was required, and he kept the equipment running on the farm. George had an aptitude for carpentry and using tools, making many memorable gifts for others. He had a sense of humor and a sharp wit, though he was not a man of many words or known to complain, preferring to live his life by example and leaving a legacy that will be remembered for his many good deeds.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jarrettsville Lions Club, P.O. Box 190, Jarrettsville, MD 21084 or William Watters United Methodist Church, 1452 W. Jarrettsville Rd., Jarrettsville, MD 21084.