Master Sergeant Kenneth Tyrone Wiggins Sr

Passed 03/03/2020

Obituary For Master Sergeant Kenneth Tyrone Wiggins Sr

Celebration of Life will be held Thursday. March 19, 2020 10:00AM at Central UMC, 501 Mitchell St. Atlanta, GA 30314.

Master Sergeant Kenneth Tyrone Wiggins Sr. was born in Americus, Georgia and passed at the age of 62 on March 3, 2020 in New York, New York. Kenneth also known as Kent to family and friends was born to Virginia Wiggins (English) and Moses Wiggins. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York where he spent much of his childhood at church and with his siblings. He grew to love the game of football and played at Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. Kenneth later attended college at Bethune-Cookman University BCU in Daytona Beach, Florida before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1979 at Parris Island, South Carolina. Kenneth married Vicki Wiggins (Barker) with whom he had his first child, Kenika Wiggins. Kenneth later married Celeste Wiggins (Gates) with whom he had daughter, Kayla Wiggins, and son, Kenneth Wiggins Jr. Kenneth was sent to The Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Shield for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 where he was in active war. Kenneth retired from the Marine Corps in 2000 with high ranking honors as a Master Sergeant. After retirement Kenneth worked at Roselle High School in New Jersey as a football coach, NJROTC instructor and History teacher. After leaving Roselle High School, Kenneth went to work at Curtis High School in Staten Island, New York where he continued as a NJROTC instructor. Throughout his lengthy career and career changes, Kenneth impacted the lives of countless people and gained many friends and loved ones. Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Virginia E Norman, who passed in 1987 and father, Mr. Moses Wiggins, who passed in 2002. Kenneth was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Oscar English, who passed in 2008, Mrs. Artie Zell English (Lumpkin), who passed in 1990, Mr. Zera B (ZB) Wiggins, who passed in 1987 and Mrs. Jennie Wiggins (Murray) who passed in 1981. Kenneth was also preceded in death by aunts and uncles Cora Dean English Tookes, Philmore English, Elder Oscar B. English, Jr., Rosanna English, Doris English White Snead, Willie Bell English, Alfred English and Verneice Wiggins Jones. Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory his three children, daughters, Kenika Wiggins and Kayla Wiggins, and son, Kenneth Wiggins. He leaves his four grandchildren Kingston Foster, Kairo Foster, Kanaan Foster and Kali Brown. He leaves his stepmother, Audrey Wiggins. He leaves his sisters, Tracy Wiggins McMillan, LaNeicha Wiggins Trent, Shirley Mitchell, and Karen (Niecey) Wiggins. He leaves also his brothers, John Norman, Cedric Wiggins (Swayzine) and Gregory (La) Wiggins (Karen). Kenneth also leaves his Aunts Josephine Wiggins Cooper (Al), Mattie Wiggins Edge (Amos), Ruby English Ludaway, Artie Zell English Schofield (Walter), and Uncle Nathaniel English. Kenneth leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves to cherish his memory a host of friends, coworkers and cadets as well as his colleagues at the Montford Pointe Marine association and Curtis High School.

Grissom- Clark Funeral Home www.grissom-clarkfh.com



Guest Book

Wiggins Family, like many here, I served with "Wiggie" as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island SC. We were good friends and it saddens me to know that he has been called home to the Lord, but we know that God does not make mistakes, so we thank him for the time I shared knowing him. May God bless and comfort your family as you mourn your lost, but celebrate the life of a wonderful Man....Semper Fi Brother,,,,SIP Eddie Johnson

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I'm saddened to learn about the passing of KT. We served together in the Marine Corps as Drill Instructors. KT is an outstanding Warrior, American, family man and brother to all of us. I will miss him. Semper Fidelis and may God give you eternal rest! Alfred Karam MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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Served together as Drill Instructors at Parris Island. A great Marine and man.

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One of my best friends while we were Drill Instructors together and then as we went on to serve in 29 Palms, California. Will miss you Brother. Great man and friend. Semper Fi. Cruz

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Master Sargent Wiggins was one of my only positive male figures who inspired me to follow my dreams ~cadet Chance Wade

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Kenika, Kayla & Kent Jr so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear sweet fun loving cousin! What a guy he was, & always real! Love you guys & praying that the Lord will comfort your hearts! Miss you already Kent. Love , cousins June & Rob.

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Will miss our comradey discussion about the Cowboys & Pittsburgh Steelers not to mention prespectives on polictics. You will always be remember.

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Wiggins Family, I am deeply sadden by the passing of cousin Kent. I am so happy I got to spend time with him during our family reunion this past August. He was truly excited that his children and grandchildren was was in attendance with him at reunion. I pray that God will give his children, grandchildren, siblings and relatives strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. Great memories,LaNeicha and aunt Audrey! Much Love, Vernell

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Peace and blessings. My name is Preslaine. Master Sergeant Wiggins was my Jr. ROTC teacher back in 2007 along side Major Penzack. Ive learned how to be disciplined with myself being in his class. This is sadden and shocking to hear that he has passed. My condolences and prayers are with all his family and friends during this time.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Grissom-Clark Funeral Home