Cleveland Little Wiggins, Jr.
November 22, 1943 - September 03, 2021
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Cleveland Little Wiggins, Jr.
November 22, 1943 - September 03, 2021
Obituary
Cleveland Little Wiggins Jr., known affectionately as Buddy, native of Winnsboro, Louisiana and lately of Marshall, Texas, passed away Friday, the 3rd of September, 2021.
He was born in Winnsboro on November 22, 1943, to Cleveland Little Wiggins Sr. and Katherine Mae (Peoples) Wiggins, both of Winnsboro, who preceded him in death. His son Cleveland Little Wiggins III, of Chicago, Illinois, also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Carol (Hendricks) Wiggins of Marshall, TX, and by his brother Charles E. Wiggins Sr. and wife Debra Susan (Morgan) Wiggins, also of Marshall, and their sons Charles E. Wiggins Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Brian Wiggins and wife Tina (Sambrano) Wiggins and daughters of Bossier City, LA. He is also survived by his grandson Cleveland Little Wiggins IV (“Mac”) and Mac’s daughter Harper Rose Kerr, of Chicago, and grandson Dylan James Wiggins, also of Chicago; as well as both his daughters, Carol Wiggins Malone and husband Mark S. Malone of Gilmer, TX, and their four children Henry, Catherine, Annabelle and Thomas; and Candace L. (Wiggins) Fansler and husband Phillip Fansler of Adair, Oklahoma, and their daughters Leah Fansler and Leah’s daughter Areya Chenoweth of Claremore, OK, and Megan Fansler of Andover, Massachusetts. Cousins and many other kinfolk in Louisiana and Mississippi also mourn his passing.
Cleveland proudly served in the Air Force and Reserves for three decades, winning many awards and commendations. He enjoyed his years of travelling the world for the military, picking up an interest in geology, sailing, surfing, and motorcycling. After retiring from military duties, he served in Purchasing and Biomedical Supplies for hospitals in Burnet, Texas, and Joplin, Missouri. Wherever he went, his co-workers enjoyed his storytelling, jokes, and pranks at least as much as his serious work ethic and steady dependability. He also served at various times as a Sunday School teacher, Mason, and Lion’s Club member and officer. When he finally retired from his second career, he kept busy volunteering at church, fishing, camping, helping his daughters research the family tree and collect family lore, and catching up with old friends and colleagues from all across the country. He taught his children and grandchildren to have a great sense of humor, to love the Lord, and to enjoy the wonders of outdoor adventures.
Memorial service details will be announced. He will be interred at Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX, where his son Cleveland IIIrd rests.
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16 responses to Cleveland Little Wiggins, Jr.
Lou Grimshaw Howell says:
September 16, 2021
My dear cousin Cleve, I am going to miss you. But have great memories of all our phone calls and visits with you and Diane coming to my house. Sometimes going out to eat together. Drinking lots of coffee and laughing and talking about the past, growing up in
Winnsboro, school, all the relatives already gone and wishing we could see the ones left.
Looking at old pictures and notes about ancestors. I remember the night before my mother died in May 1996 at my home. She was trying to say something and no one could
understand her. I finally figured out she was saying Coralie. I got on phone and called you
in Winnsboro and you drove all the way and brought Aunt Coralie and she and my mother spent several hours together. I always admired you for doing that. I will miss you
but have memories and will stay in touch with Diane and Susan and Charles.
David J (Big Bird) Walrath Usaf Ret. says:
September 23, 2021
Carol & Family: It is with great sorrow that I am writing this. Clev was one of my best friends from our time in the Air Force. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Rest in Peace Clev.
Debra Susan Wiggins says:
September 24, 2021
Thanks LORD for our brother, Cleveland! So blessed to have him and Diane as next door neighbors this past decade. Charlie will miss his best friend & brother for his love, companionship, and safety spotter duties while doing projects.
Debra Susan Wiggins says:
September 24, 2021
Thanks LORD for our brother, Cleveland! So blessed to have him and Diane as next door neighbors this past decade. Charlie will miss his best friend & brother for his love, companionship, and safety spotter duties while doing projects.
Candace Fansler says:
October 5, 2021
Update:
Celebrate the Life, Cherish the Memories.
CLeveland "Buddy" L Wiggins Jr
Memorial Interment Service to be held Monday October 18, 2021 at Cetral Texas State Veterans Cemetery from 11am-noon located at 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX.
Followed by a gathering at Rudy's Country Store & BBQ, 5621 E Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX.