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BORN
1956
DIED
2026
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Willie Wiggins, Jr. Obituary
An Airborne soldier in life and in spirit. His boots may be laid to rest, but his service, sacrifice, and love for family will march on through generations.
Staff Sergeant Willie Ben Wiggins, Jr. was born on January 2, 1956, in Ripley, Tennessee, and entered eternal rest on February 2, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. Known for his quiet strength and gentle spirit. Willie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was anchored in family, service, and love. Nothing delighted him more than the laughter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson whose smiles filled his days with pride, purpose, and immeasurable joy.
Staff Sergeant Willie B. Wiggins, Jr. proudly served in the United States Army for 22 years, dedicating his life to duty, discipline, and service to his country. A distinguished member of the Legendary 82nd Airborne Division, he completed over 300 parachute jumps, exemplifying courage and unwavering commitment. He retired from active military service in 1996 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Throughout his military career, Sergeant Wiggins received numerous awards and medals in recognition of his exemplary service and leadership.
Following his military retirement, he continued his commitment to public service through a second career as a Correctional Officer at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia, where he served with professionalism and integrity until his retirement in April 2022.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cindy S. Wiggins, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage, united in matrimony on April 26, 1986. He is survived by his children: Savalas Thomas (Lisa), Shaketta Tucker (Jafar), and Dr. Cheresa Amoa-Mensah (Foa). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Tamia Brown, Sanithia Tucker, Jafar Tucker, Jr., Javaris Thomas Tucker, Jassir Tucker, Ava Amoa-Mensah, and Ezra Amoa-Mensah, and a joyful great-grandfather to Carter Bass.
He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara Battle (Elder Harry); Ethel Jean Graphenreed (Brother Will); Lizzie Burnett (Stephen); Dollie Hall; Valsie Holmes (Alonzo); Kenneth Wiggins; Luther Wiggins; Vernois Wiggins; Elvis Wiggins (Jan); and Marsha Heppner (David); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Willie Ben Wiggins and Valsie M. “Aunt Nig” Wiggins, and his siblings, Darris Smith, Forresteen Wiggins and Claude H. L. Wiggins.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment will be held 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.
J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5725754?fl=so&fe=fs
Memories and Condolences
for Willie Wiggins, Jr.
David Niskey
February 17, 2026
God bless you my brother and long time friend I can’t believe you are gone. I will treasure all of the adventures we had together when we were young. You are one of the nicest people on this earth.
Love you and I will see you on the other side.
Lizzie Burnett
February 16, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valencia Wilson
February 15, 2026
I send my greetings and my sympathy to the Wiggins family. Mr. Wiggins was an excellent person to work with at Southside Regional Medical Center as a security officer on the midnight shift now whenever there was a situation, let me tell you Mr. Wiggins was soft-spoken, and he was able to get the people to hear what he was saying without raising his voice, and they all complied. Before the end of the shift, Mr. Wiggins and I would go into the chapel to pray and even hit a note or two on the piano. I just wanna say it was a great pleasure to meet and have worked with a genuine person, you will be missed. RIP
Kristina, Stacia, Caden Paul
February 14, 2026
A man of God and always so very kind, all that Willie gave to those he loved will be terribly missed. May the heavens cover his loved ones with extra love and comfort while they transition to living a life with him in spirit. Sympathy to all those that love Willie. Rest in paradise.
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Geraldine Roberts Edwards
February 13, 2026
Sorry to hear of the passing of your love one. Prayers are with you and your family. He was a great person to work with and to know.
Marva Wiggins
February 13, 2026
Mr. Wiggins and I crossed paths during inservice one year at GCC. I said “ finally Mr. Wiggins we get to meet, the inmates said you are my husband, my response “ well he must be a pretty cool dude if he can put up with me”. We quickly realized there was no kinship other than the GCC family we both belong to, so Rest In Peace my dear brother, both of your families will truly miss you. May God strengthen and comfort your families.
Yvette Mercer
February 12, 2026
He was always so kind and loving. A man of God. May God continue to give you peace and comfort throughout this difficult time. Love you family.
Donald & Tonya Jessie
February 12, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Ronald Ferguson
February 12, 2026
Rest in Peace Willie,I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Wiggins Family and Friends , earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal, continue to hold unto God‘s unchanging hands, joy will come in the morning.
Christopher Smith
February 11, 2026
Had the privilege of working with Willie at Greenville correctional center we started our correction career together. We were roommates at the academy. Willie was a great person, coworker and Friend. He will truly be missed. Sincerest condolences to his family.
Sandra M. Williams
February 11, 2026
Mr. Wiggins, words are not sufficient right now, I just want to say you was a true friend in HU 11, you made sure that the Medical Staff was well taken care of. No matter what came about when we needed you, you were right by our side. I will never forget you. May the work you've done speak for you. "FLY HIGH FRIEND"
Stephanie Harrison-smith
February 8, 2026
Mr Wiggins can't believe that you are gone. I recall so many nights in HU 11 when we talked and the joy you had in talking about your daughter and the grandkids. How you would drive your wife to visit family. The gospel songs you sang and of course the food. We had a time. I hope you were able to get to California for the babies. See you on the other side.
Diana Mason
February 8, 2026
My friend Mr Wiggings this really breaks my heart to hear of your passing. Sending love to your family
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Funeral services provided by:
J M Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. - Petersburg102 South Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220