William Kyser Wiggins

William K. (Bill) Wiggins, 92, died November 18, 2014, at the Azalea Trace Health Care Center. He was born January 24, 1922, in Atmore, AL. Bill grew up in Evergreen, AL, and graduated in 1940 from Evergreen High School where he was a star athlete, especially on the basketball court. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to East Mississippi Junior College, but by the end of his freshman year World War II had erupted and Bill enlisted in the US Navy. He was trained as a pharmacist mate and fought in Europe and in the Pacific.

After honorably serving his country, Bill attended Auburn University and later transferred to the University of Alabama where he earned his BS degree in chemistry and bacteriology. Upon graduation, he managed the medical laboratory at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Montgomery, AL. He then joined Wyeth Laboratories (now Pfizer) as a pharmaceutical representative in Sarasota, FL, and retired in 1987 after 30 years of service. During his years in both Sarasota and Pensacola, Bill was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club.

Bill’s iconic quick wit and sprightly charm were endearing; his boundless generosity and big heart were inspiring. He was strong but gentle; decisive but sensitive. A talented photographer, he enthusiastically embraced the technological advancements that brought new dimension to his deep-rooted passion for photography. He was an avid fisherman, and some of his happiest days started before daybreak on the tranquil, pre-dawn waters of Sarasota Bay. Bill was also an amateur radio enthusiast and found delight in conversing with others who happened upon the same frequency.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry C. and Willie K. Wiggins, his brother H. Carl Wiggins, and his grandson Cameron Frame. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Laura Ellis Wiggins; his daughters Marsha Wiggins of West Palm Beach and Barbara “Bobbie” Ellis-Wiggins of Pensacola; granddaughters Laura Ellis Palmer, LT, CHC, USN, Camp Lejeune, NC and Carolyn Petrea Palmer, Gainesville, FL; Carolyn’s fiancé Scott Victoria, Gainesville, FL; sister-in-law Yvonne Wiggins, Augusta, GA; nephew Steve (Judy) Wiggins, Big Canoe, GA; and nieces Debbie (Jimmy) Edenfield, Augusta, GA and Martha Ann (Jerrold) Brooks, Vancouver, WA.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jolita Klementaviciene and her devoted staff for many years of exceptional medical care and extraordinary compassion, kindness, comfort, and support. Each of you held a very special place in Bill’s heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the Azalea Trace auditorium, 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola. Reverend Jim Dietz, Azalea Trace Chaplain, will officiate, assisted by Bill’s granddaughter Reverend Laura Palmer. A reception will be held in the auditorium immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504 (www.covenanthospice.org), to the Azalea Trace Heritage Fund, 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514, or to a charity of choice.

Bayview Fisher-Pou is in charge of arrangements.