Alan Neil "Stick" Sigmon

Alan Neil "Stick" Sigmon died suddenly Thanksgiving morning in Chillicothe, OH, surrounded by family. He was 66 years old. A lifetime resident of Franklin County, Neil was born in Rocky Mount, VA, to father Maymon "Mike" Sigmon, a decorated World War II veteran and brick mason, and mother Dorothy "Dot" Sigmon, a tax preparer and homemaker. Neil was a 1974 graduate of Franklin County High School, and in 1978 he earned his bachelor's degree from Radford College (now University) as part of its first co-ed class. He netted the first points in program history for the Highlander men's basketball team. A lifetime public servant, he started his career as a probation officer before becoming Director of Franklin County Parks & Recreation, where he oversaw the construction of Waid Park. He finally settled on his true purpose as a public school teacher at the Gereau Center for Applied Technology and Career Exploration, winning Franklin County Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2012. An early champion of green energy, he worked alongside colleague John Richardson to secure funding for and consult in the construction of the $1.4 million Center for Energy Efficient Design (CEED). The CEED is a zero-energy school building that has earned national recognition for its mission of providing public school students hands-on experience with green technologies. He also coached for the middle school boys' basketball and track teams for many years. An Eagle Scout and lover of the outdoors, Neil was an enthusiastic (if seldom successful) hunter, angler, and marksman who took pride in knowing every backroad and honey hole. He loved gathering with friends and family, whether for the Galax Fiddlers’ Convention, a UNC basketball game, or a bluegrass jam. He always made time for a flea market or a yard sale. Neil left an indelible legacy on his community. He always looked forward to and enjoyed an early retirement, though his personal struggles eventually caught up with him. He is predeceased by his parents and nephew Michael Sigmon. He is survived by his sons, Ty Sigmon and wife Erin, Wynn Sigmon, and Cody Sigmon and husband Jan Huebenthal; grandchildren Theo, Nash, Cambrie, and Bram; brother Dean Sigmon and wife Diane; sister Marsha Stafford and husband Rick; niece Sarah Burke White and husband Will; niece Mary Deane Kilgo and husband Robbie; and nephew Marcus Sigmon and wife Lindsay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Franklin County High School Athletics or your local Boy Scouts of America troop. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Ricks officiating. His family will receive friends on Friday, December 3rd from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Due to Neil's support and belief in the Covid Vaccination and with the resurgence of the variants, the family has asked that if you are not vaccinated, please wear your mask for visitation and service. The last thing Neil would want to see is for someone to get Covid while gathering for him. Thank you for your consideration. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220 @ Wirtz Road) Rocky Mount, VA 24151. www.connerbowman.com