Norman Edward Wiginton

Norman Edward Wiginton
March 14, 1928 - October 10, 2014

Sparta, NC
Despite his early beginnings as a premature baby born to Bernice Laura and Troy Fletcher Wiginton at the Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia in 1928; and the fact that he grew up during the depression, Norman lived life to the fullest. He was a star basketball player in high school, he traveled the world. He became a Marine who served his country during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Then as a long haul truck driver for McLean Trucking Company, he moved newly manufactured freight over treacherous roads in less than optimum weather conditions to build this country back up after the wars. He drove for 33 years winning numerous safety awards. Last, but certainly not least, he was a father who showed his four children how to grow gardens, share with others less fortunate, and to be kind to animals.

Norman and his siblings who both predeceased him, (sister, Julie Lazerick and brother, Troy Wiginton) grew up in Mannington, West Virginia.

Norman often said he had been fortunate to have been married to two wonderful women. The first was Peggy Jo Wiginton, a vivacious redhead who shared youth and dreams with him. Peggy predeceased him after 33 years of marriage and with whom he had four children, Teresa Anne Wiginton (Stephen Wishnevsky), Norman E Wiginton II, Ronald Wayne (Norma Jean) Wiginton, Troy Lee Wiginton. Three grandchildren that he was so proud of, Kimberly Anne LaBroad (Fiancé, Nick Odorizzi), Jonathan Wiginton, and Patrick Wiginton.

He married his second wife Betty Messick Wiginton after being a widower for six years. They were married for 21 years before she predeceased him. He and Betty laughed, traveled, and provided companionable friendship to each other. Betty brought to the marriage children and grandchildren who Norman enjoyed. Betty's children are, Jane Kepple, Pete (Dianne) Messick, Theresa (Fred Branscomb), David Messick, Mickey (Angie) Messick, Marie (Terry Simos), Jamie (Russell Bowman), 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Norman was surrounded by good friends and neighbors Dean Todd; Joe and Jetta Browning. They helped him enjoy his last years in the mountains he loved.

He was one of a trio of West Virginia childhood friends who stayed in contact with each other sharing life's ups and downs as only friends can do. The two surviving friends are Wayne Rice (Eva) and Bob Porter.

Norman is also survived by cherished nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews in West Virginia that he entertained with his stories and also his nieces and nephews from North Carolina.
And, he leaves his cherished companion, Thomas the Cat.

A graveside service will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 16 at Crestview Memorial Park with Rev. Celeste Handy officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Rural Hall prior to the graveside service.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Forgotten Felines of Forsyth, AMVETS, or a charity of one's choice.

The family would also like to express gratitude and appreciation to all the team members at Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center who worked with our father to make his days comfortable.

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