Charles Milton Wiggins

Charles Milton Wiggins passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 1, 2022. Milton was born on May 5, 1935 in Gadsden, Alabama to Edith and Charles Mouzon Wiggins, III. He graduated from Gadsden High School in 1953 and Auburn University in 1957 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. Milton, with his wife Joan, spent two years on active duty at Fort Sill, OK as an Officer in the U.S. Army and later in the National Reserve Army. Milton began his career with U.S. Steel in Birmingham, Alabama and later was Owner and CEO of Industrial Products and Wiggins Supply.

Milton lived a full and adventuresome life. His love for his family, the water, and his Auburn Tigers was surpassed by none. He loved everything about Auburn and instilled the same love of his alma mater in his children and grandchildren. An accomplished boat racer in his earlier years, his passion for racing continued as a winning team owner his entire life. He never met a stranger and during the course of his racing career Milton made many friends on the water across the county. He developed a passion later in life restoring antique boats and enjoyed spending time at his beloved lake house. An astute businessman and always an entrepreneur at heart, he took great pride in starting and growing several businesses. Known as “Coach” to many, he was loved and cherished by close friends, colleagues and his family which included his children’s six dogs, all of whom benefited from his ever-present steady and loving presence.

Milton is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Hagan Wiggins, daughter, Lynne Wiggins (Susan), daughter Leigh Wiggins Moore (Mitch), and son Charles Milton Wiggins, II, (Amie); grandchildren Virginia Moore, Reeves Moore (Margo), Maddison Binford-Wiggins, Zachary Binford-Wiggins, Anna Chason Wiggins, and Raines Wiggins; and great granddaughter Halston Moore. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Wiggins, sister-in-law Charlotte Wiggins, and his first cousins Bill Greer (Susanna), Margaret Wiggins Blount, and Catherine Wiggins Smith (Stewart) in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his brother, John Mouzon Wiggins, and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Gadsden, The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch (P.O. Box 530887, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35253), or Big Oak Ranch (250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35905).

The family will welcome friends at visitation at First Baptist Church Sanctuary, Gadsden on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 1:00 followed by a memorial service at 2:30.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Wiggins family.