Dr. John F. Bigger, Jr.

North Augusta, SC – Memorial Services for Dr. John F. Bigger, Jr., 85, who entered into rest July 1, 2024, will be conducted Tuesday, July 9th, at 2 o’clock at Grace United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. Cathy Jamieson and Dr. John M. Newell, III officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 5 until 7 o’clock. Dr. Bigger was born January 7, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN, to the late John F. and Thelma Bigger. He was raised in Anniston, AL and was a U.S. Navy veteran with two years of service. Dr. Bigger graduated from Duke University, received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he also served as Chief Resident during his Ophthalmology residency. Dr. Bigger interned at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was apart of the Ophthalmology faculty at Washington University and the Medical College of Georgia. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he operated his private practice in Augusta from 1976-2005. During his career, Dr. Bigger was actively involved in the medical community and had a keen focus on professional development. He served on the board of directors, museum committee, and collections committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Museum of Vision. Additionally, he was a member of the Richmond County Medical Society, the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, past president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and authored 28 articles related to Ophthalmology. Dr. Bigger was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he was actively involved in the church choir and various committees. He was a member of the American Camellia Society, the Aiken Camellia Society, and was a member and past president of both the North Augusta Exchange Club and the Aiken County Human Relations Committee. Dr. Bigger had a great love for music and the arts. He was a board member of the Augusta Symphony and Aiken Symphony, was the founding president, board member, and treasurer of North Augusta Cultural Arts Council. Additionally, he was the founding president, board member, treasurer and trustee of endowment of the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. In 2003, Dr. Bigger was honored by the Chamber of Commerce with the North Augusta Citizen of the Year Award. In addition to his parents, Dr. Bigger was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Sally Bigger; and a son, Bill Bigger. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Carolyn “C.J.” Bigger; his children, Bob Bigger (Mary Anne), David Bigger, Robbie Bell (Lisa), and Buffie Harper (Mark); a daughter-in-law, Leigh Bigger; a sister Linda Shonesy; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Cokesbury Sunday School Class and members of Grace United Methodist Church Choir. Memorials may be made to the Bigger Memorial Scholarship Endowment, c/o the Community Foundation of the CSRA, 720 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30901 Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803)278-1181.

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Dr. John F. Bigger, Jr.

January 7, 1939 - July 1, 2024