Benjamin B. Wiggins Jr.

It is with sadness that we share the passing of our loved one Benjamin B. Wiggins, Jr., 83, who died peacefully on December 22, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Ben was born in Bayboro, NC on January 21,1941 to Benjamin B. Wiggins Sr. and Blanche Harrison Wiggins. He was raised on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and frugality until his family moved to Virginia in the 40's. He attended Hampton City Schools and upon graduation from Hampton High School in 1959, he entered the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School where he was one of the recipients of the prestigious Niels Christiansen Craftsmanship Award. This award resulted in a full scholarship to N.C. State University where he earned a B.S Degree in Engineering Mechanics. While in college he received a patent for his creation of a pipe pressure gauge.

Upon graduating from N.C. State University, Ben returned to Newport News Shipbuilding where he enjoyed a long, happy and successful career culminating as Manager of C66 Computer Administration and Control. He retired with the prestigious title of Master Shipbuilder after 40 years of service.

Shortly after retiring he started a popular bluegrass radio program known as Ben and Ralph’s Picking Party, which he co-hosted with Ralph Coleman on Saturday mornings, with a Sunday edition that was hosted by J.B. and Marion Elliott. Bluegrass was one of Ben’s biggest enjoyments in life. He enjoyed attending festivals, supporting various bands and particularly having the opportunity to play in two of his own (Saltmarsh and Made From Scratch). He was always supporting and promoting young talents, giving them the opportunity to perform on stage with him and offering advice to help them grow and advance their skills.

Ben was totally devoted to his family. He attended every event that he could that his grandchildren were participating in, videotaping each one and telling them just how wonderful they had performed. He enjoyed being with his extended family, spending time on the water, pool parties, camping trips and most especially his trips to Atlantic City with Judy and his best friend Clarence Felton.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Judy F. Wiggins, his two sons Daryl Kevin (Anoush) and Michael Scott (Bonny); grandchildren Benjamin and Noah (Kevin, Anoush) and Jolie and Trevor (Scott, Bonny); sister Betty and daughter Kelly.

The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the care Ben received from Linda Lutz and her staff at Warwick Forest Evergreen, the skilled nursing unit at the Piedmont, and from Riverside Hospice Care.

To honor his request to be cremated, a service celebrating his life will be held on Monday January 6,2025 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home located at 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, visitation at 2:00 PM and service at 3:00 PM. If it is your desire, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.