He moved to Jacksonville in 1949, where his father became employed at the Naval Air Station. A product of Lee High School, class of 1952, he attended Jacksonville University when it was but a small college on the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville.
His service in the military included time in both the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army. He served in the Marine Reserve VMF, 114 NAS and the U.S. Army, 4th Division, 6th Infantry, where he was a member of the Drumand Bugle Corp. The majority of his working career was as a warehouseman and manager at both Montgomery Ward and Sears. At retirement, he was employed at the local warehouse of the Publix Chain of stores. A longtime fixture of the Rock N’ Roll music scene, he was both a vocalist and a drummer in The Four of Clubs Band, playing in local locations at NAS, Mayport and other local establishments.
In retirement years, he continued to follow his passion for music, often providing music for charitable events. Although retired, it was not uncommon, anywhere there was music being played, he was in the audience, to hear the call to stage, “Now, let’s hear a song by Billy Wiggins’.
William is predeceased by his parents, mother Ruby Wiggins and father Farron Wiggins and sister Mary Goss, and brother Don Wiggins. He is survived by his wife Dana Wiggins, daughters Valerie Wiggins (Atkinson), and Gina Wiggins (Nall), and son Jeff Wiggins, ten grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren.
Billy, as remembered by his family and friends will be best remembered as “Now in God’s hands but, forever in our hearts.”
A visitation for William will be held Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 25, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Wiggins family.
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