Johnnie Woodrow Wiggins

Johnnie Woodrow Wiggins born on February 4, 1950, 74 years old, of Blythe Island, Brunswick, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 5:10 in the evening.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Palmetto Cemetery, with Pastor Ken Creekmore officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family at Tortuga Jack’s on Jekyll Island.

Johnnie was born the tenth child of thirteen to Cullen Paul Wiggins and Verdie Scott Wiggins in Alma, Georgia. They lived the farm life before leaving Alma for Brunswick when he was a child. He attended Ballard Elementary, Jane Macon Jr. High, and Glynn Academy Class of 1968 all in Brunswick. He joined the Army and served two years in Vietnam. After returning home, it was not long before he met the love of his life, Lucy Wiggins. They had a six-week courtship, went to the Senior Prom, and eloped to South Carolina on June 13, 1970. They were married for fifty-three wonderful years. Johnnie is survived by his only daughter, Jennifer Wiggins Newman and son-in-law, Matthew Newman both of Roswell, Georgia, and several brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

They built their life together in suburban Atlanta where Johnnie had a long career in the construction business and ultimately retired as Superintendent of Bon Building Services, a business building mostly churches, schools, and offices throughout metro Atlanta. When they retired, they returned to where it all began, the Blythe Island community where he built their retirement home near extended family and good friends. Johnnie was a member of Glyndale Baptist Church where he and Lucy were active members. He was often found with his little Yorkie, Hayley Grace, cuddled up beside him. When Hayley Grace passed away, he became a father again to little Vivian, his rescue pup from Orphan Annie Rescue. Johnnie had many interests and hobbies, but loving and doting on Lucy was first and foremost. He was a great girl dad and loved his small family. One of his favorite outings was driving to Savannah with his brothers and nephews to shop at the Bass Pro Shop. He kept bees in his backyard and generously gave the honey away to family and friends. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and kayaking in the Turtle River and living the good “Salt Life” until he no longer could. Johnnie wanted to build a boat one day, and the plans are still sketched out on his garage floor today. He enjoyed restoring old cars. He had a 1932 Chrysler he treasured; it even won a title in a Brunswick car show. Before that, he restored a 1956 Ford truck with a Chevelle engine. He loved his little hot rod! Along with nature shows on Nat Geo, Dr. Pol, and the Smithsonian Channel, he just loved being outside and playing YouTube sound videos of birds calling, and soon enough the Cardinals and Blue Jays would call back to him from the trees while he sat out on his deck. He could tell you every bird breed that visited his numerous bird feeders and he did everything in the springtime to protect the babies as they were learning to fly – especially his coveted Eastern Bluebirds.

He was a good friend to anyone who knew him and would give someone the shirt off his back to help them. Before he passed away, he was planning a trip out West to tour the National Parks in an RV with his nephews and brothers. He especially wanted to see the Sequoia and Redwood trees of California, but sadly, he didn’t get to make the trip. Instead, he watched “Aerial America” episodes on the Smithsonian Channel with Jennifer, Matthew, and nephew, David “Dee” Wiggins, when he became bedridden from the extreme Coastal heat, and it seemed to satisfy him. He was not afraid to pass away and he wanted everyone to know that we are all energy beings filled with God’s light, and nothing ever truly dies if you have Jesus in your heart. He could not wait to be reunited with his wife Lucy, and even called out to her twice the day before he passed. Living without her for six months was his longest burden. They are together at last!

In lieu of flowers, Jennifer and Matthew would love for you to consider donating to some of Johnnie’s favorite charities:

National Park Service www.nationalparks.org

Glyndale Baptist Church https://glyndalebaptist.com

Heartland Hospice of Brunswick https://www.gentivahs.com/services/hospice-care/heartland-hospice/

Orphan Annie Pet Rescue, a NO-KILL pet rescue https://www.orphanannierescue.org/