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Thomas Wiggins Jr.
In Memory of
Thomas Lee
Wiggins Jr.
1926 - 2016
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Obituary for Thomas Lee Wiggins Jr.

Thomas Lee  Wiggins Jr.
Thomas Lee Wiggins Jr, passed away in Franklin, NC, on August 16, 2016. A veteran of World War II, he was proud to serve in the IIth Airborne Division. A true patriot, his service to his country and heritage were a legacy often shared through verse and stories; developing pride and respect for the "Greatest Generation" among his family and friends.

Thomas "Pa" was born on October 31, 1926, in Fitzgerald, Ga, to Thomas "Tom" and Evelyn Wiggins. Precious memories were made while growing up in Waycross, Ga, where friendships were formed and cherished throughout his life. He attended Waycross High and The Bolles School, Jacksonville, Fl., where he won the state singles tennis tournament in the summer of 1944. After graduating, he followed his buddies into the military, joining the army and serving in the Pacific and Occupation Forces in Japan.

After the war, Tommy returned to his beloved hometown and attended Georgia Southwestern. He married "the prettiest girl in Waycross" Mary Ruth Hinnant, and moved across the Mason-Dixon Line to Philadelphia, Penn., graduating from the Franklin School of Science and Arts. A man of words and a vibrant spirit, the couple returned to the south and made their way back to where their story began; living in Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Thomas "Tom" established the laboratory in the medical office of Dr McKee Hargrett, serving the community of Screven, Ga. Retiring to his beloved Waycross, he divided his time between Fernandina Beach, Fl, and Fitzgerald, Ga.

An avid sportsman, his hobbies and passions included golfing, tennis, long-distance walking, hiking, boating and metal detecting. A lifelong student, he devoured the works of the "great masters", enjoyed volunteer works as a Civil War Historian and Genealogist. In the spirit of his love for heritage, he was proud to become a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. During his later years, he enjoyed the "good-ole-days" and was grateful for the opportunity for returning to "the best of times" courtesy of Turner Classic Movies.

Proceeded in death by his wife, Ruth Hinnant Wiggins; his sister, Francis Head (Ewald), parents Tom and Evelyn Wiggins; and nephew, Ronnie Head. Thomas is survived by daughter, Mary W Jones (Mack); son, Thomas Lee Wiggins III (Bonnie); four grandchildren, Marnie Wingard (Chris), Kelli Audet (Matt), April Wiggins, Jason Wiggins (Brittany); six great-grandchildren, Hannah Ruth and Camden Wingard, Braden and Addisyn Aiken, Madelyn and Mason Wiggins; nephew, G Thomas Head (Karen), cousin and dear friend, Clyde Bailey, great-nephews, Tom, Jeffrey and Bernard Head; brother-in-law, JL Hinnant.

Celebration of Life was held in his home on Cowee Mountain in Franklin, NC. A graveside service will be held on September 3rd, 2:00 pm, Bosque Bella Cemetery, Fernandina Beach, Fl. Rev. Chris Wingard will officiate with military honors also conducted.

Funeral arrangements provided by Macon Funeral Home and Oxley Heard Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at maconfuneralhome.com.


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