Douglas O’Neal Wiggins, 81, died on November 10, 2024 at his residence in Florence, Alabama.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 2-3 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will begin at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chad Hess officiating.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Hill, his step-father, Bennie Hill, and his father, Jack O’Neal Wiggins.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Beth Wiggins, and stepchildren Sherah Faulkner of Chapel Hill, NC, Anna Faulkner of Florence, AL and Cory Faulkner and wife Rebekah of Murfreesboro, TN. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Charlee Quimby and Tanner, Abraham, and Josephine Faulkner and bonus grandchildren Isabella, Max, and Colton Quimby. Sister, Joan Wilson, nephew Bart Booker (Charlotte), niece, Jill Booker Sims (Mark), all of Birmingham.
Doug was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Woodlawn High School where he was voted friendliest out of his graduating class of over 400 students. He remained in touch with many childhood and high school friends his entire life.
Doug was such a hard worker, he hardly slept. His first job, a paper route, began at age 9. From then on, he worked at something because he was so energetic from stocking shelves at a grocery store after school to working evenings at the Lyric Theater where he would often sneak across in the underground tunnel across the street to the Alabama Theater where he would enjoy a free movie.
After college Doug entered the workforce in Electrical Sales. He loved his work and was so invested in his customers he could tell you the names of their children, grandchildren, pets, basically their life history right down to their favorite drink. This attribute garnered him numerous recognitions and awards. After retirement from Gorin, Hopper, McCoy in Birmingham, he just couldn’t keep still so he reentered the workforce with Glenn Associates, Inc. which became his most favorite place to work of his entire career. They became family to him and he loved them all dearly.
His career in Electrical Sales spanned over 60 years and he became known as the “Legend” in the territories he served. If there’s a need for electrical supplies in Heaven, he’s your man.
Doug loved music and dancing and was a member of the Bop Club in Birmingham for many years, where he met many of his lifelong friends.
He loved football so much that he claimed he suffered from withdrawals when the season ended.
After moving to the Shoals, he volunteered at Shoals Hospital and the American Cancer Society. He was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church, where he learned of his favorite ministry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds for children.
Doug embraced life and lived it with his arms and his mouth wide open, never meeting a stranger. His greatest joy was his friends and family. He was loyal and generous to a fault. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sleep In Heavenly Peace Ministry at their website shpbeds.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Woodmont Baptist Church, 2001 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35633.
