The Reverend Archie Rufus Bigelow, Jr., 92, passed away peacefully at home in Irmo SC, on September 14, 2024, surrounded by his children. He was born on March 5, 1932, in Pamplico, SC, to Archie Rufus Bigelow, Sr. and Claudia Jordan Bigelow. Archie grew up in North Charleston with his brother, Ralph Jordan Bigelow, and his sister Margaret Bigelow Smith (Peggy). He attended North Charleston High School. He graduated from Wofford College (BA, 1954) and Candler School of Theology, Emory University (Bachelor of Divinity, 1961). He also served honorably in the US Army.

Archie was ordained deacon (1959), and elder with full connection (1962) in the Methodist Church. He retired in 1997 after forty-two years in the ministry. Archie was known for his warmth, integrity, and unshakable commitment to Christ, his family and community. A man of quiet strength, Archie spent his career serving United Methodist churches in South Carolina (Bogansville, Timmonsville/Lamar (Salem), Landrum (Landrum & Jacksons Grove), Spartanburg (Gravely Memorial & Christ), St. Matthews (St. Paul & Wesley Chapel), Lancaster (First), St. George, and Mullins (Macedonia)). Archie served the people of his congregations and communities with his whole heart. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He could often be found sharing his talent for car repairs and carpentry projects. He was especially proud to have been instrumental in establishing the first rescue squads in the Landrum and Timmonsville communities in the era prior to universal availability of these services. He found his service to the South Carolina United Methodist Conference Board of Insurance and Pensions particularly fulfilling.

Archie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a skilled storyteller, always willing to share an entertaining and insightful story.

Archie joins his parents, his brother, his wife of 62 years, Martha Anne Burke Bigelow, his grandson Michael Dean Sigmon, Jr., and his life-long best friend and brother-in-law Oscar, in heaven. He is survived by his three children, daughters Diane Bigelow Sigmon and her husband Michael Dean, Sr., Claudia Lynn Bigelow Watson, and Archie Rufus Bigelow, III (Chip); grandchildren, David Tillman Tillotson III and his wife Melissa Lynn Farwell, Jordan Ross Tillotson and his wife Courtney Buck, Sarah Burke Sigmon White and her husband William Lawrence, Marcus Dean Sigmon and his wife Lindsay Shore, and Mary Deane Sigmon Kilgo and her husband, Robert Lawton, III. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Chloe Mae Tillotson, Robert Lawton Kilgo IV, Lily Anne Naomi White, Cooper Ross Tillotson, Tillman Ward Kilgo, Connor David Tillotson, Abigail Alexandria White, Hudson Michael Sigmon, Nolan Archie Tillotson; sister, Peggy; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Archie R. Bigelow Jr. will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. His legacy is one of kindness, humbleness, and enduring love.

A private gathering of family and close friends will be held in the future to share stories and celebrate his long and wonderful life in the service of others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Michael Dean Sigmon, Jr. Memorial Fund c/o Darlington Presbyterian Church, 311 Pearl St, Darlington SC 29532, the Landrum Rescue Squad, PO Box 434, Landrum SC 29356, or to the American Cancer Society.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family.