Richard Anthony Whigham

Obituary For Richard Anthony Whigham

Richard Anthony Whigham was born on February 20, 1969, in Hattiesburg, MS to the late L.J. and Stella Sanders Whigham; departed his life on June the 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of servitude overflowing with 56 years of love, kindness, and unwavering trust in God.

Richard was the oldest of three siblings. He graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1987 where he laid the foundation for a life of dedication and service. Later he attended Delta State University and Cleveland, MS on a full scholarship, touching the lives of many with his service, patience, gentleness common and compassion.

Richard met his now wife and love of his life Shem Malone Whigham at Delta State University in 1990. To this union two biological children were born (Ricki and Richard, II) and a stepdaughter was adopted (Corteney). Seeking new opportunities for his family, Richard moved to Birmingham, AL in 1994 residing in Vestavia Hills, AL and attended The New City Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr Gerald Austin, Sr. Later, Richard and family transitioned in 2003 settling in Kosciusko, MS. Richard joined the New Banyon M.B. Church where he answered the call of God and was ordained as a Deacon under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Michael Williams.

Richard transitioned from a career in the business world to the education world with hard work, unmatched interpersonal skills, and determination. Richard was a passionate and caring educator, as well as possessed a competitive nature, where he taught and coached in various positions throughout the Durant Public School District and the Holmes County Consolidated School District. Richard served with distinction, his cultivating leadership skills, and love for people created an environment where his students, athletes, parents, and peers had a profound respect for his character. Richard was the Founder of the “Big Whig Act Foundation” in which he encouraged, motivated, educated, and sponsored many middle and high school students on the important of taking the ACT. Richard loved telling stories of his past and how God had brought him over.

In later years, Richard enjoyed serving beside his wife in ministry and the season of being a grandparent to his grandsons (Liam and Dean). He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Richard never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile. He was a beacon of light and optimism to all who knew him in every situation. If you knew him, he loved living life to the fullest which included traveling and enjoying good fellowship with friends. He was a “Gentle Giant” always offering warm hugs, smiles, and a listening ear to those in need. Richard approached conversations the same way he approached life, with honesty and meekness. His spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless lives and his wisdom guided many through life's challenges. Richard cherished his wife, children, and family above all else and his home was always a place of warmth, love, and unconditional acceptance.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lazell and Helen Sanders; parents, L.J. and Stella Sanders Whigham; uncles, Willie (Delores), Billy (Gloria), Lazelle (Charlotte); aunts, Lizzie Mae Barnes, and Barbara (Anthony); special cousins, Sherral Barnes (Lizzie), Shandricka and Kharlise (Linda), and Jada (Jefferey); son-in-love, Gary (Corteney); and God-daughter, Charlotte Roby.

He leaves to treasure his memories, legacy of love, and servitude with wife, Shem Whigham, Kosciusko, MS; children, Kierra (Jacob) Miller of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Corteney Redmond, Kosciusko, MS, Ricki (Akan) Moore, Ridgeland, MS, and Richard Whigham, II, Kosciusko, MS; brother, Larry (Kenyatta) Whigham, Houston, Texas; two grandsons, Liam and Dean Moore, Ridgeland, MS; mother-in-law, Annie T. Malone, Goodman, MS; two sisters-in-Christ, Shequita (James) Stonewall, Monticello, MS and Kimberly (Erick) Patton of Lexington, MS; sister-in-law, Betty (Kevin) Grayson, Tyler, Tx; best friends, Mark Fluker, Dallas, TX, (Ed and Cotton) Durant, MS; Spiritual mother, Minister Jean Whitlow; Spiritual father, Dr. Gerald Austin, Sr.; God-daughters, Heavyn Leah Grace, Sallis MS, Jamesha Dennis and Ciara McRavin, Jackson MS.

He also leads to cherish his memories with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; not to mention fraternity brothers, former teammates and players, mentees, colleagues, The Just Move Queens and many more.

PLACE OF SERVICE: Durant Baptist M.B. Chruch, Durant, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 06/21/2025 at 3:00 p.m.

INTERMENT: New Banyon Cemetery, Sallis, MS

Viewing: Friday 06/20/2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.