Billy Ray Wiggins

Billy was born the second of six children in Willow Springs, Missouri on July 2, 1954, to Frank Lee and Frances Velma (Hatton) Wiggins. He married Linda Joyce Admire on January 26, 1974. Their only child, Amanda Lynne, was born in 1984 and became the driving force behind everything he did. From a young age Billy was always up to something. He was rarely idle and enjoyed working at his shop on his many projects, including a skill for auto mechanics, a trait he picked up from his dad. Throughout the years he built and replaced several vehicles, sometimes even combining multiple vehicles into a new one. His motto was “you can never have too many tools,” and he enjoyed adding to his collection on birthdays and holidays. He served in various roles in the trucking industry most of his life, until he retired in 2020 and became a full-time “Pa” to his beloved grandchildren. Billy had a passion and talent for building trailers and BBQ smokers and loved cooking for family and friends. He was always on the lookout for new BBQ rubs and sauces to test on his latest build. He especially looked forward to his annual Fourth of July cookout and taking a road trip with his grandson, Austin, to buy fireworks. Billy never met a stranger and welcomed any and all into his home. He was a safe place for many and the dependable person everyone called with their troubles. Whether it was welcoming his daughter’s friends for dinner, even after she left for college, or providing a home to a family member who had lost their way, Billy was a constant support whatever the circumstances. He always had a story for everything and a nickname for everyone. He had a soft spot for animals and welcomed every lost or homeless dog he ever encountered. Billy was a cherished husband, Daddy, Pa, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by many, and the world will be a different place without him here.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Joyce Wiggins; daughter, Amanda Lynn Morgan, and her husband, Colten Morgan; grandsons, Dace and Austin Morgan; granddaughter, Charlotte Morgan; brothers, Gary, Barry, and Jeffrey Wiggins; sister, Debra (Dave) Barrell, as well as numerous family members, many friends he considered family, and his four dogs.