After leaving the swamps of southern Georgia at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and found a home where he felt he truly belonged.
His service spanned; the occupation forces after World War II, the Korean Conflict, and two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor.
As a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, training young men to be marines gave him great satisfaction.
During his life, he was active in Scouting Association from Cub Scouts to Explorers. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an accomplished wood craftsman, farmer, cattle rancher, and, in the quiet moments, an avid reader.
His greatest pleasure was dancing with his wife at blue grass and Cajun festivals from North Carolina to Louisiana.
He is survived by three children, his daughter Barbara W. Meyer of Crowley and sons, James R. Wiggins from Beaufort, South Carolina and Thomas Boyd Wiggins Jr. from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Henderson Wiggins.
There will be a visitation at his at 193 Mallorysville Road, Tignall, Ga. on Sunday, August 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Burial services will be at Beaufort National Cemetery, Thursday August 5, 10:30 a.m. with full military honors.
Hopkins Funeral Home www.hopkinsfuneralhome.com is in charge of arrangements.
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