DURWOOD FRANKLIN WIGGINS SR.
Died April 27, 2013
Durwood Franklin Wiggins Sr. passed away April 27, 2013.
Born and reared in Goldsboro, Durwood was the youngest son of the late Frank L. and Hazel Britt Wiggins.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 30, 2013, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the parlor of St. Paul United Methodist Church, followed by a service celebrating Durwood's life at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will follow in Willow Dale Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irma Best Wiggins; son, Durwood Franklin Wiggins Jr.; daughters, Elizabeth Corinne Wiggins (husband, Steven Breckler) and Jayne Wiggins; grandson, Benjamin Best Breckler; brother, Kenneth L Wiggins; sister, Geraldine Wiggins Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ed and Jo Best, Merle and Mary Louise Best, Jerry and Joan Best and Jane Best; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends.
He also is survived by his beloved dog, Little Buddy.
Durwood was preceded in death by his son, James Livingston Wiggins; sister, Jean Wiggins Hollowell; brothers-in-law, Tommy R. Best, Ellis M. Smith and Virgil Hollowell; and sister-in-law, Inez H. Wiggins.
Durwood was a lifelong student of history, and held master's degrees in history and geography earned at East Carolina University.
He was an early president of the Wayne County Historical Association.
As a teacher and coach in the Goldsboro City Schools, the extension programs of East Carolina University and University of Maryland and the Seymour Johnson branch of Wayne Community College, Durwood touched the lives of many students.
Later in his career, Durwood was self-employed in real estate and construction, with projects throughout North Carolina. He and his family were especially proud of the homes he built for families in the Goldsboro area who otherwise did not have the means to achieve home ownership.
The North Carolina Society for Autistic Adults and Children recognized Durwood in 1986 with an Award of Appreciation for his efforts to acquire and renovate a group home for high functioning autistic adults in Raleigh, N.C.
Durwood was a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church, where he was serving on the history committee, and where he previously served on the finance committee and taught Sunday school.
A lover of nature and the outdoors, Durwood enjoyed gardening, beekeeping and wine making. The land around his home is a small sanctuary for animals.
He was an enthusiastic collector of antiques and heritage building materials, and he was an avid reader, particularly fond of American historical fiction and British and Irish literature and poetry.
The family expresses its deepest appreciation to the staff of Wayne Memorial Hospital and Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, or in Durwood's own way by providing a kindness for someone in need.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 29, 2013 1:48 PM