Condolences to the family of Billy Edward Rigsby, D.D.S., professor emeritus, former associate dean of clinical affairs at the Health Science Center, who passed away Saturday, June 11.
Dr. Rigsby was instrumental in the development of all clinical aspects of the Dental School at the Health Science Center. He graduated with honors from the Dental School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he remained for several years practicing and teaching dentistry. When he was asked to help implement a dental school at the Health Science Center in San Antonio, he left Houston to help form one of the most prestigious and widely-recognized dental schools in the nation.
“He had the persona of being the American cowboy, but he was a consummate professional that loved Texas, dentistry and nurturing young people,” said Kenneth Kalkwarf, D.D.S., dean of the Dental School.
Dr. Rigsby contributed significantly to dental education nationwide as a member of the American Dental Association, and as a fellow of both the American and International Colleges of Dentists. He was elected to Who’s Who of American Dentists, served as president of the Western Conference of Dental Examiners and Dental Deans, and president of the Texas Section of the American College of Dentists.
Although Dr. Rigsby was known as a man of excellence and integrity in the professional field, his love for Texas was apparent to everyone.
“We always knew when Dr. Rigsby was coming because we could hear his cowboy boots,” Dr. Kalkwarf said. Dr. Rigsby lived on a ranch with his wife, Jackie. “When he wasn’t working in the Dental School, he was fixing fences and herding cattle. He was a Texas cowboy.” Dr. Rigsby was an avid fisherman and hunter, as well.
He was active in the community, the United Methodist Church of Bandera, and served on the Board of Directors of the Helotes Festival Association.
Dr. Rigsby has created a lasting impression at the Health Science Center.
“We are so grateful to him for what he created, what he led us to, and what he developed while he was here,” Dr. Kalkwarf said. “He will be greatly missed by all.”
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 15 at Bandera United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Helotes.
The Health Science Center is establishing an endowed Memorial Scholarship in Dr. Rigsby’s name. Donations are invited to the Billy Edward Rigsby, D.D.S. Endowed Memorial Scholarship:
www.uthscsa.edu/univrel/philanthropy/.
Memorial remembrances may also be given to the Cancer Therapy Research Center for Mesothelioma research.
