Jerry Wayne Wiggins

1944 - 2018

Jerry Wayne Wiggins
1944-2018

Jerry went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 25, 2018, leaving his family and friends and the pain of the past few years behind to be made new and whole.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" 2 Cor. 5:8.

Jerry was born in Clinton OK on 08/02/1944. It's been told that he broke his crib as a toddler because he shook it in time to the music that was always played in his home. Later he was known to find makeshift drumsticks and beat on the back of the front seat on family trips. In 1950, he and his family moved to Littleton CO. Jerry had many memories of fishing and camping in the mountains. He became involved in the Highlander's Boys program. He loved the structure and quickly became the commander of his platoon, leading them to numerous awards for precision. He played drums throughout his school years and often sat in with his dads band. At 17, the call of the road and playing music lured him into leaving home and school to make his mark in country music. After several years of traveling he ended up in LA. He played at the the Palomino and other country venues, and recorded for various artists, making a name for himself and winning numerous awards for drummer of the year from the Academy of Country Music. In 1967 he moved to Bakersfield and became a Buckaroo. He worked for Buck Owens for 13+ years traveling the world, recording, and doing television shows. Highlights of his career were filming Hee Haw, preforming at Madison Square Gardens, and the White House. He also won numerous CMA awards for Band of the Year as a Buckaroo. During that time he met and fell in love with Susan Raye and they were married in 1971. Their family grew from his 2 boys and Susan's son from a previous marriage, adding 2 more sons and a daughter!

Jerry often told others, "Susan is the best thing that ever happened to me", but in realty, it was the whole package; their love, their family, and their faith in God made it work. In 1979 they changed churches and became members of Calvary Bible Church, and Jerry gradually shifted from playing on the road to playing in church for the choir and praise team. He also changed careers and started his own business, Kern Appliance Repair. It's success allowed them more free time to enjoy annual trips to Hawaii and summers in Oregon with his family. He was a kind and humble man, making friends everywhere he went, and never felt the need to be in the spotlight. He was loved dearly by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his constant companion Chloe (his Pug). I am so grateful for the 47 yrs of life we shared together and the family unit that is left to remember him with laughter and love. Mostly I am grateful that we will see him again.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother Frank and Leona Wiggins, his son Steve Wiggins, and infant granddaughter Imogen Violet Wiggins. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Raye Wiggins; sons Todd (Kathy), Scott (Cathy), Cale (Cynthia), Brock (Melissa), and daughter Brianna Hammond (Troy). He loved his children beyond measure and his grandchildren; Kayce, Jordan, Anna, Zachary, Nathaniel, Phoenix, Mazzy, Remy, Rilo, Ryken, Cason, Madsen, Lexi, Kamryn, and Shaylyn. He is also survived by his sister Donna Ridley, brother and sister in law Scott and Pat Aird, brother in law John Aird, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life on July 21st 2018 at 3pm at Resurrection Church (formerly Calvary Bible Church) @ 48 Manor Street, Bakersfield CA. Please celebrate with us in wearing bright colors (his favorite).

Though his physical body limited him, he was especially proud and passionate about his wife and daughters efforts in providing access to clean water through World Vision. He was a practical man, since flowers don't last, in lieu, please make donations to World Vision in his honor. http://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/Jerry-wiggins