An Airborne soldier in life and in spirit. His boots may be laid to rest, but his service, sacrifice, and love for family will march on through generations.

Staff Sergeant Willie Ben Wiggins, Jr. was born on January 2, 1956, in Ripley, Tennessee, and entered eternal rest on February 2, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. Known for his quiet strength and gentle spirit. Willie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was anchored in family, service, and love. Nothing delighted him more than the laughter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson whose smiles filled his days with pride, purpose, and immeasurable joy.

Staff Sergeant Willie B. Wiggins, Jr. proudly served in the United States Army for 22 years, dedicating his life to duty, discipline, and service to his country. A distinguished member of the Legendary 82nd Airborne Division, he completed over 300 parachute jumps, exemplifying courage and unwavering commitment. He retired from active military service in 1996 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Throughout his military career, Sergeant Wiggins received numerous awards and medals in recognition of his exemplary service and leadership.

Following his military retirement, he continued his commitment to public service through a second career as a Correctional Officer at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia, where he served with professionalism and integrity until his retirement in April 2022.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cindy S. Wiggins, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage, united in matrimony on April 26, 1986. He is survived by his children: Savalas Thomas (Lisa), Shaketta Tucker (Jafar), and Dr. Cheresa Amoa-Mensah (Foa). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Tamia Brown, Sanithia Tucker, Jafar Tucker, Jr., Javaris Thomas Tucker, Jassir Tucker, Ava Amoa-Mensah, and Ezra Amoa-Mensah, and a joyful great-grandfather to Carter Bass.

He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara Battle (Elder Harry); Ethel Jean Graphenreed (Brother Will); Lizzie Burnett (Stephen); Dollie Hall; Valsie Holmes (Alonzo); Kenneth Wiggins; Luther Wiggins; Vernois Wiggins; Elvis Wiggins (Jan); and Marsha Heppner (David); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Willie Ben Wiggins and Valsie M. "Aunt Nig" Wiggins, and his siblings, Darris Smith, Forresteen Wiggins and Claude H. L. Wiggins.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment will be held 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5725754?fl=so&fe=fs