Marion Douglas (Papaw) Wiggins born on January 12, 1943 of Hiwassee Dam, left this world to be with his Savior Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the age of 74.
He was a native of Cherokee County and the son of the late Ralph Edward and Ethel Johnson Wiggins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Denver, Jimmy and Howard Wiggins.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Catherine Ware Wiggins; one son, Randy Douglas Wiggins and his wife Tonya Reid Wiggins; two grandchildren, Kyle Douglas Wiggins and Kaileyanna Farrah Wiggins all of Hiwassee Dam; one brother, Ricky Wiggins and wife Margie of Lexington, KY; three sisters, Peggy Wiggins Mahoney and husband Mike of Oak Ridge, TN, Janice Wiggins Huskins and husband Marvin of Dallas, NC and Nancy Wiggins Chambers and husband Rick of Peachtree and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran who faithfully served his nation for 20 plus years at home and abroad, receiving many commendations, medals, badges and decorations. The highlight of his military career was to serve as one of eight First Class Sergeants selected to train West Point Military Academy Cadets during the summer of 1981. Under his leadership, his company of cadets placed first in all rounds of competition and respectively received top honors overall in its performance.
After retiring from the Army, he was employed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc in Murphy for 17 1/2 years, primarily as a department manager until his retirement to enjoy more time with his grandchildren.
He was a dedicated member of Bear Paw Baptist Church where he served the Lord faithfully.
The family will receive friends from 6-9 PM, Monday January 16, 2017 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday January 17, 2017 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Steve Ware and Rev. Farris Reid will officiate. Pallbearers will be Randy Wiggins, Kyle Wiggins, Ronnie Ware, Gary Ware, Tommy Taylor and Phil Wilcox. Honorary pallbearers will be Kailey Wiggins, Edwin Walls, Marvin Taylor, Eddie Taylor and Jerry Ware. Special pallbearer will be Wayne Roberts. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Peachtree.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bear Paw Baptist Church in care of Phil Wilcox, 3401 Hiwassee Dam Access Rd. Murphy, NC 28906 or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
