Joseph W. Bigley

Joseph Bigley, age 85, of Raleigh, NC, formerly of Columbus, OH passed through the gates of heaven Monday, June 22, 2015, with his family by his side at the Abbotswood at Stonehenge Independent Living in Raleigh, NC.  He was born February 17, 1930 in Caldwell, OH a son of the late Rudy M. and Thelma R. Pickenpaugh Bigley.

Joe served and protected our country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict.  He earned three metals during his four years of service.  He married Lois Ruth Swank Bigley 63 years ago and lived in Columbus, Ohio where they raised their two children.  Joe was a member of the American Legion and a member of the Free & Accepted Mason of Ohio for 50 years.  He was a dedicated employee of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and retired after 24 years of service.

Joe was a happy, fun loving person. He truly enjoyed teasing and pulling practical jokes on the ones he loved. His children and grandchildren share his humor. He had a passion for farming and gardening that he passed on to his grandchildren.  He loved his award winning 1956 sky blue Ford that he showed at parades and entered in car shows.

After retirement, Joe and Ruth moved to Bradenton, Florida. Joe was involved in the running and maintenance of the Wood Shop there in his community. He made many beautiful works of art, from wood, for his family members that they will always treasure. He was elected as a member of the Board of Trustees of his Home Owners Association and served for 5 years. Most recently, Joe and Ruth had moved to Raleigh, NC. 

He is preceded in death by 2 sisters Vivian Bigley Davis & Bonnie Bigley Carter. 

He will always be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lois Ruth Swank Bigley; his children Kenneth A Bigley & his wife Debbie Kingman Bigley of Raleigh, NC and Judy Bigley Harr & her husband Rick, of Spring, TX; his grandchildren Matthew J. Harr of Hollywood, CA, Kyle A. Bigley of Denver, CO, Kevin A. Bigley of Raleigh, NC and Daniel A. Harr of Spring, TX. He is also survived by several brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.   

The family would like to thank Debbie Bigley, the staff at Abbotswood at Stonehenge and, his personal caregivers for their dedication to his wellness. 

Friends will be received by the family Saturday, June 27, 2015 from noon until the service time at 1:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A memorial service will conclude visitation Saturday at 1:00 pm in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. William Pickenpaugh officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Sharon Cemetery, with military graveside services conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. 

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or the Meals on Wheels of Noble County, 615 North St. Caldwell, OH 43724.

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