Chapter Celestial Kappa Sigma
Brothers
Bell Toll in respect for our Passed Brothers
Frank Earl Riggs Jr
Died:04/03/2022 Initiation Date:05/07/1967 Initiation Number:#0453 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Frank E. Riggs, Jr., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, comforted by the unfailing love of his family and the forgiving grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was 73 years old and he left us after a life well lived and looking forward to what comes next. A private cremation service with the immediate family will be held and a memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 1PM at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sanctuary.
Frank is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bethany Brock Riggs, who was when he met her in college and remained so until he drew his last breath, his best friend, as well as the smartest and most beautiful woman he ever knew. He also is survived by three children, each the source of great pride—Jennifer Katherine Riggs of Decatur, GA, Lauren Riggs Harbin (Jeremy) of Jackson, GA, and F. Brock Riggs (Emily) of Corning, NY. In addition, Frank was the grandfather to five perfect grandchildren—Sara Beth Harbin, Lilly Harbin, Ty Harbin, Margaret Riggs, and John Riggs. He is survived also by his sister Sherry Riggs Davis of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention but sources of great joy. He was preceded in death and welcomed at his passing by his parents, Frank and Sara Riggs of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and by his flawless dog Biscuit.
Frank was born and reared in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, graduated with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was president of the student body, and then obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was a practicing construction law attorney in Atlanta for 44 years, beginning his legal career with the firm of Smith, Currie and Hancock, and then spending the last 13 years of his career as a partner with Troutman Sanders. He was well respected as an attorney, serving as Chair of the Construction Law Practice Group at Troutman Sanders and recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers. Among his many clients and fellow lawyers, he will be remembered for his steadying guidance, his dry wit, his common sense, his knowledge of the law, his work ethic, and his (very) rare moments of brilliance. Following his retirement from Troutman Sanders, he continued his career as an arbitrator of national construction and energy project disputes.
Frank took pleasure in many things throughout his life. He liked to fly fish, but did so far too seldom. He enjoyed sports, playing them earlier in his life, and watching them in the later years. He was an avid baseball fan and took with him to the grave only one worry: that his family may not preserve his large sports memorabilia collection. He coached and managed competitive Tophat girls’ soccer teams for 12 years and served on the Board of Directors for Tophat Soccer for many more years. He enjoyed golf, photography, watching Southern Mississippi football and University of Virginia basketball, traveling the world with his wife, Bethany, spending time with his kids and grandkids, a good biography, circulating $2 bills, old movies, 1960’s and country music, interesting quotes (obviating the need for independent thought) and his recliner.
If you wish to make a gift in Frank’s memory, please consider a contribution to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the V Foundation, or any cancer research foundation. Online condolences may be left at HM Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel.
Jack William “Billy Jack” Robinson
Died:10/29/2014 Initiation Date:05/05/1977 Initiation Number:#0655 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Billy Jack Robinson, 59, of Petal died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in New Orleans. Services will be Friday, October 31, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Carterville Baptist Church followed by burial in Forrest Memorial Gardens. Mr. Robinson was a member of Carterville Baptist Church and the Sertoma Club. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Robinson and his grandparents, Jack Earl and Issabelle Robinson and Lester and Virgie Mauldin. He is survived by his wife, Shelia Robinson; one daughter, Carrie Robinson; one son, Will Robinson; his mother, Faye Robinson and one sister, Rhonda Tapper all of Petal. Visitation will be Friday, October 31, 2014 from 1:30 till 3:00 p.m. at Carterville Baptist Church.
Chad McClain Robinson
Died:02/20/2025 Initiation Date:02/08/1970 Initiation Number:#0513 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
With his family and those he loved around him, Chad McClain Robinson passed peacefully in his childhood home on February 20, 2025. He was a resident of both Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Hartfield, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay. One of Chad's greatest passions was sailing his beloved boat, "Serendipity." Chad was born to Fred and Margaret Robinson in Wichita, Kansas, on November 24, 1950. His family moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi, when he was a baby, and he grew up there. He attended Clarksdale High School, graduating in 1969, and went on to study at Southern Mississippi University. After college, Chad moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he met his wife, Valerie Mink. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children-Elliot, Courtland, and Morgan-in Richmond, Virginia. Chad and Valerie shared a long and loving marriage. Chad had a successful career in the manufacturing of specialized auto parts, earning numerous awards and advancing to an international sales role. In 2009, he returned to Clarksdale to care for his aging father, Fred. During this time, he met Erin Lee, his loving partner of 15 years, who remained by his side and cared for him faithfully until the end of his life. Together, Chad and Erin embarked on countless adventures, traveling, sailing, and dancing to the rhythms of the Mississippi Blues. Chad battled cancer for many years with resilience and strength. Even in his illness, he continued to spend cherished hours sailing the Chesapeake Bay with Erin, his faithful dog Holly, his children, and his grandchildren. Chad is survived by his three children, Elliot, Courtland, and Morgan; his son Courtland's wife, Katherine Robinson; his daughter Morgan's husband, Nick; his two grandchildren, Isla Mae Robinson and Gabriella Robinson, whom he adored; and his three siblings, Elaine, Kirk, and Freda. His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created with those he held dear. A celebration of Chad's life will be held at a later date. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chad, please visit our floral store.
Clyde Dean Rose
Died:04/08/2024 Initiation Date:03/27/1966 Initiation Number:#0386 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Dean Rose will be held 11:30AM, Friday, April 12, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Dr. Tom Sikes officiating. Interment will follow at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Rose, age 79, of Meridian, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Anderson Regional Medical. Clyde was an outstanding, loving father and grandfather, who loved to spend his time with his family, specifically his grandkids. He attended The University of Southern Miss, where he obtained a master’s degree in accounting. Clyde had a special interest in History and went to visit a multitude of Museums and sights. He served in the army for 25 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. His strong, hardworking ethic got him far in life and helped build his construction company. He had a wonderful and beloved sense of humor that did not compare, this made him known by many. His character left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Clyde was an avid hunter, who spent many hours at the deer camp with his friends. He traveled the world and hunted in Africa twice. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Rose is survived by his wife of 56 years, Trisha Rose; son, Sonny Rose (Misti); grandchildren, Walker Lewis, Tripp Rose, and Josie Rose; siblings, Dennis Rose (Lynn) and Linda Allen (Tommy), and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Mr. Rose is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Agnes Rose and daughter, Shelley Rose.
Pallbearers will be:Tommy Allen, Andy Rose, Larry Torgeson, Walker Lewis, Tom Wixon, Dustin Bunkley, Steve Duncan, and Kelly McDevitt
Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.
The Rose family will receive guest from 10:30AM to 11:15 AM at the funeral home prior to services.
Larry Michael Ross
Died:03/05/2013 Initiation Date:03/02/1980 Initiation Number:#0696 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Larry Michael (Mike) Ross
Purvis, MS
Services were held at 10:00 AM Friday, March 8, 2013 at Hulett-Winstead Purvis Chapel for Larry Michael (Mike) Ross, 54, of Purvis, MS.
He passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Mike was a car hauler, having owned his truck prior to becoming disabled after suffering a stroke.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Ross of Purvis; his parents, Pat and E.O. Ross of Purvis; a son, Myles Ross of Purvis; a sister, Mona (Charlie) Bakaly of Alexandria, VA; a nephew, Jack Bakaly of Alexandria, VA; a stepdaughter, Shanna (Sean) Kittrell of New Augusta; two grandchildren, Lexi and Hunter Kittrell; two stepsons, Chad Yonce of New Augusta and Nick Rios of Nevada.
Visitation was 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday, March 8, 2013 at Hulett-Winstead Purvis Chapel.
Gary Lynn Saget
Died:05/09/2008 Initiation Date:11/17/1968 Initiation Number:#0480 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Gary Lynn Saget, 58, of Brandon, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at his residence.Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel with interment in Lake Park Hills Cemetery. The Rev. Ken Regan will officate.Mr. Saget served in the U. S. Army Reserves.He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Sikes and Mr. and Mrs. M. C. (Dean) Saget.Survivors include two daughters and son-in-law, Kappi Jones and Alton of Vicksburg and Karri Saget of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Ashton and Finley Jones; parents, Ellouise and Doug Saget of Brandon; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Carol Ann Saget of Laurel; nephews, Brad and Lenore Saget and children Ellie and Lillie, Craig and Anita Saget and children Jessica and Jacob.Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday until service time at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, which is in charge of the arrangements.Pallbearers will be Brad Saget, Craig Saget, Alton Jones, Harold Gough, Robin Gough, and Mickey Gough.
Luke James Schissel
Died:07/18/2017 Initiation Date:05/16/1962 Initiation Number:#0314 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Luke J. Schissel, 78, of Greenwood, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Covington County Hospital. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Schissel was of the Catholic faith. He served in the United States Air Force. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated law school from Ole Miss in 1969. He practiced law in Greenwood for the past 50 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 29 and the Greenwood Rotary Club. Mr. Schissel was a former City Judge and City Attorney in Greenwood. He was also a past National President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity from 1983 – 1985 and a past President of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. He was in the first class of USM Alumni Hall of Fame and a past President of the USM Alumni Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Theresa Schissel; one brother, Dale Schissel; and one sister, Nancy Breault. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Schissel of Greenwood; one daughter, Lisa (Alton) Waltman of Moselle; two sons, Joe (Becky) Schissel of Greenwood and Jim (Amy) Schissel of New Orleans; two sisters, Barbara (Gene) Winter of Hawkeye, Iowa and Joyce Smith of Keosaqua, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Adrienne (Jim) Franovich, William (Joy) Browning, Ann (Josh) Manning, Jay Schissel, Beth Hobson, Eric Winters, Cody Winters, Peter Schissel, and Boyd Schissel; and nine great grandchildren, Madeleine Franovich, Myles Franovich, Avery Manning, Archer Manning, Amelia Manning, Gracie Hobson, Jake Hobson, Sophie Hobson, and Ashlyn Winters. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Luke Schissel Scholarship Fund at the University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Dr., P.O. Box 5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.
Peter �Pete� Joseph Sciarabba Sr
Died:02/12/2026 Initiation Date:04/15/1962 Initiation Number:0312 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Peter �Pete� Joseph Sciarabba Sr., age 87, of Poplarville, MS, left his earthly body on February 12, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Pete was born on March 19,1938, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to John and Mary Sciarabba. A second generation Italian American, he was the oldest of three children, spending his childhood in Hackensack, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York surrounded by his extended family. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to Him. He unearthed his passion for athletics in his early years and excelled in various sports. In his youth, no one could outrun him in a leg race, quickly landing him the nickname �Peter Rabbit�. His excellence in football led him to Mississippi where he attended college on an athletic scholarship. He earned a Bachelor�s of Arts in Physical Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. It was here that he met the love of his life and devoted wife of 62 years, �Josie� Joann Lea Watts Sciarabba. Married on May 25, 1963, the two began their lives together in Mississippi and later migrated back to New Jersey to raise their family of four children. There, he flourished as an educator, dedicating his career to coaching both football and baseball. During this time, he was a part of multiple group, conference, and state championship teams. Following twenty plus years of New Jersey residence, Pete and Joann returned to Mississippi where they remained after his retirement. Always one for an adventure, he delved into a variety of small business endeavors following his coaching career. While he enjoyed new challenges, he returned to his true passion for a short time- coaching baseball for a few encore seasons with his grandsons. Aside from his family, few things brought him more joy than Southern Miss athletics. He thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf and reminiscing over a cup of coffee. At any given time, an old western could be heard booming from his TV as he rested in his recliner. With an unmatched sweet tooth, if he ran down road to the grocery store �to get a few things�, there was almost certainly a carton of Blue Bunny ice cream amongst his loot. A loud family gathering was his favorite place to be. Never one to shy away from getting tickled with himself, he loved to remind his offspring, �You gotta keep your sense of humor!� in his thick Jersey accent. Pete, Coach, Peter Rabbit, Pistol Pete, Hon, Dad, all names he wore proudly but none made him beam quite like Pop Pop. He adored his children and grandchildren, but most of all, his Josie. Family was the entirety of his being. Very often, he would humbly say, �I have lived a beautiful life. I am very blessed.� His life echoed family beginning to end. Pete is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann Lea Watts Sciarabba, and his oldest son, John Robert Sciarabba; his parents Mary and John Sciarabba; his brother John Sciarabba and sister Rosemarie Yanni. He is survived by his children, Mary Jo Perry (Derek), Amy S. Martin (Drew), Peter J. Sciarabba Jr. (Rebecca); grandchildren, Chad Perry (Brittney), John Perry, Jacob Perry, Emma Grace Burnham (Collin), Sam Martin, Sara Beth Martin, David Martin, John Sciarabba (Samantha), William Evans, Cameron Smith (Savanna); several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on through the love he gave and memories shared. Arrangements will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at White Funeral Home in Poplarville, MS. Visitation will be from 9:00 am � 11:00 am with Memorial Service at beginning at 11:00 am. Graveside service will follow. �I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.� 2 Timothy 4:7 �Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments;� Deuteronomy 7:9 Please consider in lieu of flowers: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1149/foundation/index.aspx?sid=1149&gid=1&pgid=1566&cid=3819
Robert Lawrence Seitzinger
Died:09/08/1993 Initiation Date:11/13/1966 Initiation Number:#0414 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Robert L. Seitzinger III, 46, of Jacksonville, Fla., died in September in Jacksonville. Mr. Seitzinger was a native of Danville, Pa., and formerly resided on the Coast. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1965 and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969. He enlisted in the Navy and was later commissioned an officer in Athens, Ga., and served in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was a certified public accountant with Deloite, Haskins and Sells in New Orleans and Jacksonville and was self-employed as a business consultant. Survivors include his parents, Retired Major Robert L. Seitzinger of Vancleave; a son, Robert Bentley Seitzinger of Jacksonville, Fla.; and two sisters, Mrs. Jeanne Goff of Vancleave and Mrs. Betsy A. Barnette of Birmingham, Ala. Private services were held on Friday. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Roy James Spencer Jr
Died:11/06/2022 Initiation Date:04/21/1963 Initiation Number:#0330 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
On Sunday, November 6, Retired Lt Col Roy J Spencer, passed away peacefully in his home in San Antonio, TX. He was seventy-nine. Born to Roy Sr. and MaryAnn Spencer, March 6, 1943, in Hattiesburg, MS. Following Roys graduation from Southern Mississippi University, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965 and completed 25 years of honorable service. During his Air Force career Roy was awarded numerous awards for his honorable service including 2 Distinguished Flying Cross and 8 Air Medals for his meritorious service during the Vietnam war. Roy continued his education while in the Air Force and completed Squadron Officers School, Air Command & Staff as well as his Doctorate with Midwestern University.
Following his active-duty Air Force service Roy began a second career as a commercial pilot and rose to various senior management positions with Texas International, Frontier Horizon, Chicago Airlines, Business Express, Spirit Airlines, Continental Express/Rocky Mountain Airways and Gemini Air Cargo. Roy also had a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and retired from the FAA December 31, 2011.
Roy is survived by his two children, Allison Spencer-Eguia and Chase Spencer as well as his son in law, Joseph Eguia. He has 2 grandchildren, Ashley Spencer and Tyler Eguia and 2 great grandchildren who he enjoyed very much. Roy was loved by many and had family and friends around the USA. He was able to enjoy retirement for many years! He was an avid Harley rider and spent many hours traveling all over the country. Roy will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery however, final arrangements have not yet been established.
