J. Richard "Chink" Pigott's Obituary
J. Richard “Chink” Pigott, 81, passed away on Thursday August 4, 2022 at his home in Fort Myers, Florida. He was a native of Fort Myers (Tice), a graduate of Fort Myers High School, and worked for Florida Power and Light for 33 years, starting as a lineman and retiring as a supervisor. He also served in the United States Army Reserve.
Richard was a dedicated father and loving husband. He was a skilled craftsman who built the family’s house from the ground up and continued to update it over the next 44 years (he could fix almost anything.) He traveled to 49 states, as well as parts of Canada, Europe, Central America, and China with his wife Gale. He loved his family, sports, and always had a bowl of mini chocolate candy bars to share.
To say that Chink lived and breathed sports would be an understatement.
He was an amazing short stop who honed his skills on his high school baseball team. He loved to “drop” the pop fly, in order to secure a double play with his quick sidearm throw. He was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American Legion Junior Baseball in 1958, the Lee County Church of God softball league six out of seven years in 1964-1970, and the Lee County Fort Myers Slow Pitch softball league in 1971. At age 55 he played on the local senior softball league and later joined traveling teams that took him to tournaments around the U.S. The awards continued from the International Senior Softball Association as Best Defense in 2004 (Men’s 60 AA Division World Championship) and Best Offensive Player in 2006 (Men’s 65 Major + Division.) He was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Chink officiated high school football for 44 years starting just after he graduated from high school in 1958. During his unprecedented career, he refereed 53 high school football playoff games, four FHSAA football finals, 9 FHSAA basketball championships, 1 softball final, and 3 in volleyball. Chink served as the South Gulf Football Association president for four years, vice president for one year, and was on the board for another six years. In 1996, he was selected as the Official of the Year by the Fort Myers Sportsman’s Club. He was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and the South Gulf Football Official’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Richard was reunited in heaven with his parents, Wilson and Annie Pigott, his brothers, Gene, Troy (Jane), and David Pigott; and his son, James Richard “Ricky” Pigott, Jr.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Gale Pigott; his children Sherri Parker (David), Kevin Pigott (Kim), Gary Pigott (Candy), Tracy Pigott, and daughter-in-law Janet Pigott; his grandchildren, Christy, Dustin, Stephen, Ryan, Tyler, Bridget, Jenny, and Rachel; 13 great grandchildren; and his siblings Lavon Wisher, Bunker Pigott (Joyce), Vivian Pigott, and sister-in-law, Karen Pigott.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 10:30 AM at Citygate Ministries Church, 1735 Jackson Street, Fort Myers. Once the service is live, the following link can be used to view online https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCMG8OUvze42BHqzpyINFpSg
Cards can be delivered to the Pigott family c/o Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Hope Hospice at donate.hopehcs.org and indicate “In memory of Richard Pigott” or send a check to South Gulf Football Officials’ Association (SGFOA) Memorial Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1047, Fort Myers, Fl 33902-1047 and indicate “In honor of Richard Pigott.”
What’s your fondest memory of J. Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from J. Richard?
Share a story where J. Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with J. Richard you’ll never forget.
How did J. Richard make you smile?