Michael Armand Wiggins' Obituary
Michael Armand “Mickey” Wiggins, 80, St. Petersburg, FL passed away on July 19th, 2024, surrounded by family.
Michael was born on October 18, 1943, in St. Petersburg, FL to Margaret “Virginia” (Cashatt) and Walter “Blackie” Wiggins. Michael attended Northeast High School, St. Petersburg, FL. Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Army. He was a true patriot who resolutely served with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. During his tenure in the military, he was deployed to Vietnam, Korea, The Dominican Republic, The Canal Zone, and many stateside assignments, however, he was most proud of his instructing career. He was in charge of the airborne and pathfinder schools, the 7th and 20th Infantry Division, a drill sergeant and black hat instructor at Fort Benning, he taught counter guerrilla warfare in Korea, served as the Senior Army Instructor for JROTC at Balboa High School in Panama, and was a member of the RDJTF at SOCOM on McDill AFB in Tampa, FL. Michael proudly retired from a 22-year career as a Sgt. Major on May 31,1982. Telling stories about his time in the military was one of his favorite past times.
Michael married his first wife, Judith LeMond Wiggins in 1962, with whom he had 2 children, Marion Elizabeth and Michael Armand Jr. The couple divorced in 1976. In 1984, Michael met the love of his life, Bonnie Burke Wiggins. They were married in 1986 and he became a father to her 4 children, Matthew, Rachelle, Hawaii and Tiffany.
In 1991 Michael went to work for Publix Supermarkets where he worked for nearly 2 decades and met some of his closest friends. After retiring from Publix in 2006, he and his wife, Bonnie, spent the remainder of his days side by side. They enjoyed traveling, concerts and casinos. Michael was a fervent member of Elks Lodge 1224 in St. Petersburg. Michael was an avid Rays fan and rarely missed a game. Michael enjoyed baseball and softball at any level and spent many years as a staple at NWYBBSB, Osceola High School, Northeast High School and Dixie Hollins High School where his grandkids played.
Michael never met a stranger and was kind and generous to all those who knew him. His generosity and sense of humor drew everyone to him. He was a favorite patient at Northside Hospital due to the impact he was able to make upon the staff during his short admission. He had the gift of gab, witty sarcasm and a heart of gold. He was a beloved soldier, friend, husband, uncle, brother, father, and Pop Pop (his favorite title by far). Michael was a loving father to his 6 children and the most adored “Pop Pop” to his 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Family was Michael’s greatest blessing and having everyone together for a cookout at the family home was one of his favorite activities.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Virginia Wiggins, brother Walter “Bullet” Wiggins, sister Glenda Griswald, sister Elaine Cook, brother Charles Wiggins, son Matthew Arango and grandsons Austin Kremer and Blake Curtis. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Burke Wiggins; children Marion Rodriguez (David), Michael Wiggins Jr. (Denise), Rachelle Curtis (Josh), Hawaii Grimes-Layner (Chris), Tiffany Kremer (Tom); grandchildren Mario Rodriguez, Miguel Rodriguez, Matthew Casey, Madisson Casey, Joanne Wiggins, Justin Kremer, Prestin Kremer, Destyn Kremer, Braelyn Grimes, Bishop Grimes, Andrew Layner, Jackson Layner, Kai Layner, Joshua Curtis, Riley Curtis; and great-grandchildren Kandace and Kassius Kremer.
A celebration of life will be held at Elk Lodge 1224, 2675 66th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710 on Sunday August 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A family interment will occur at Memorial Park where Michael will be laid to rest at a later date.
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