Bruce Gilbert Wiggins

“This is our love letter.”

Many described Bruce as the man who collected people. Others would say he was the most caring or loving person they knew. He had many passions; good food, good wine, cheering on his favorite sports teams and traveling. Oh, I forgot…his love of cars. However, his greatest passions were serving God and enjoying good friends and extended family. He especially loved his parents and his wife, Carol. Their love story continued for 32 years of marriage. Together, they shared these passions.

Bruce is described as the “face of Beargrass Christian church” as he was a member for nearly 35 years. He served with love as head of the sacristy team for about 13 years and greeters over 12. Always wanting to serve, he always saw service as a responsibility. “God loved me first, why wouldn't’t I want to serve him?” Whether it was delivering bread to first time visitors, visiting hospitals and nursing homes or filling in whenever needed, he did with love. Bruce only missed about five services in 35 years. He was also a member of the Sunday nights Men’s Bible study, never missing a lesson. He seemed to have an inner glow after each lesson. Excited to learn and more excited to pass this excitement along to others.

Always meeting people with a smile, he was a quiet man in many ways. Listening was an art form he had very well developed. Other times he seemed to talk with abandonment…always there was that smile! Then there was the laughter; a good joke, or answering a child’s curiosity “why don’t you have hair on your head” or “you must be REALLY old…do you have teeth?” Bruce’s smile covered his face and a hearty roar of laughter escaped, while the mother’s innocent faces blushed.

After graduating from Moorhead State University he worked for Bond’s clothing stores. He managed stores in Kansas City and St. Louis before going to work for Sam Swope Auto Group in Louisville, KY. He remained there for 35 years serving in many capacities; Sales, fleet and lease manager, F&I manager and various other management positions. His love of people and cars never ceased even in retirement. He worked for Walmart as a cashier after retiring. He then returned to work again in the automotive industry at Bachman Auto Group in their call center, which turned out to be the most fun position he ever had! Bruce was always helping people and he was around cars, always with that smile!

He was a caring man who shared whatever he had with those who were in need. Quietly he would call his wife, Carol, and explain the need…situation done.

Years later God would return the favor to them through the love of others. It hurt them deeply that it wasn’t them helping others, but them being helped by others. He never wavered in his commitment to serving. The mercies given to us…made him more determined to serve.

These words only cover a small portion of the man…Bruce Wiggins.

There is no way to say good-bye to a life well lived. So we say, “We will see you again.” We know you are enjoying your new home and making friends everywhere. At the fates of Heaven you were met by our family. Among them your Mom and Dad waving, “welcome home son.”

Bruce you now have all those answers you were seeking. Most of all we know you are there before the thrown, smiling. Where your laughter is heard all around. I just have one question, what time is the “T” time with Jesus? I know it will be a great game.

We love you, your wife Carol, family and a thousand friends.