Robert Earl “Bob” Wiggins, Sr. passed away on August 3, 2021 at Wesley Long Hospital. Bob was born in Raleigh, NC on September 20, 1930 to Wanda Hill and Richard Wiggins. He graduated from NC State University with a BS (1952) and a MS (1965), both in Textile Technology. Most of his career was in the textile industry. As a professor in the College of Textiles from 1956-1965, he was a mentor to students and twice named “Teacher of the Year” as well as “Textile Leader of the Year”. In 2017, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from NC State. Bob held executive positions at Madison Throwing Company, Macfield Inc., Pioneer Yarn Mills, Custom Industries, Frontier Spinning Mills, and Capital Management. He also graduated from the Executive Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. He served on the NC Textile Foundation Board. As a student, he played varsity basketball for two years and was active in ROTC throughout college. He served his country in the US Army in the Korean War.
Bob enjoyed travel, golf, gardening, photography, and especially spending time with his family at the beach. He was a member of First Baptist Church Greensboro for over 50 years. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mable Ann and brother, Richard “Buddy” Wiggins. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela W. Key and her husband, Perry of Greensboro; son, Dr. Robert E. Wiggins, Jr. and his wife, Kim of Asheville; and grandchildren, Robert E. Wiggins, III, Benjamin West Wiggins, Melissa Grace Wiggins, Courtney Ann Key and Steven Perry Key.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401. Masks will be required. The service will be livestreamed from www.fbcgso.org/memorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.haneslineberrryfhnorthelm.com.
