Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Henry W. Wiggs, 87

Henry Wallace Wiggs, distinguished veteran and cherished family man, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, after a productive life spanning 87 wonderful years. Viewing will be held Thursday, August 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Leevy’s Funeral Home in South Carolina. Funeral service will be Friday, August 9, at 12 p.m. at Gill Creek Baptist Church in South Carolina. Interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in South Carolina at 2 p.m.

Born January 8, 1937, in Emanuel County, Henry was the fifth of 14 children of the late Wallace and Mary Stephens Wiggs. While growing up in the Cross and Green community of Emanuel County, he joined the church at an early age and attended services regularly. Henry graduated from Swainsboro High and Industrial in 1955 and attended Morris Brown College. On February 11, 1959, he was inducted into the United States Army and began a long, honorable career that would last 30 years. During his career, Henry rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, which is the highest enlisted rank in the Army. He served as Command Sergeant Major for Moncrief Army Hospital (Fort Jackson, SC) until retirement from military duty. In dedication to his country, Henry served in multiple tours of duty around the world, including in both the Vietnam and Korean wars. During his successful army career, he received numerous awards. Injured in service during the Vietnam War, Henry earned a Purple Heart Award. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service, as well as the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd AWD), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (10th AWD), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th AWD), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd AWD), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Overseas Service Bar (2nd AWD), and Legion of Merit.

A lifelong learner, in addition to his military training, Henry received a B.S. degree in biology from Benedict College in Columbia, SC, and a Master of Education from Boston University. After retiring from the military, he became a Civilian Contractor at Fort Jackson as the Transition Assistance Coordinator of ACAP Center. In this role, Henry was responsible for aiding and preparing soldiers leaving the military for transition to civilian life. He retired from this position after 20 years of service. Henry co-founded with his wife and children, Wiggs Unlimited LLC, where he served as President of the organization. He continued working by traveling on weekends from Columbia, SC, to Summertown, as co-owner of the Lawrence Village Restaurant. Henry was not just a co-owner; he also actively took part in general restaurant operations such as cooking and serving.

Henry remained active even at the age of 87 years old. He loved working in the fruit garden he planted in his backyard. Once an avid runner, Henry enjoyed walking and often walked several miles daily. He was also active at Gill Creek Baptist Church, participating in the Jubilee Choir, Men’s Choir, Mass Choir and Veterans Ministry. Additionally, Henry served as past President and was the current Treasurer of the United States Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC). CSM Wiggs is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur, Solomon, and Robert; and sisters, Sarah Cook, Susan Green and Katie Mae Hughes.

CSM Wiggs leaves to cherish his memories with his devoted wife of 65 years, Callie Mae Lawrence Wiggs; two daughters, Dr. Wylecia (Reese) and Loraine (Richard); four sons, Harold (Tracey), Michael (Mimi), Andrew (Chandra) and Alexander (Dr. LaShana); 15 grandchildren, Christopher, Kristian, Taira, Angel, Yolanda, Mareenez, Lora, Talitha, Richard, Nia, Asha, Jaiden, Alexander, Sean, and Alexis; two great-grandchildren, Alivia and McKenna; two sisters, Mary and Geneva; five brothers, Isaiah (Mona), Walter, Roy (Shirley), Nathaniel and Joseph; brothers-in-law, Eddie, Richard (Edna), Roosevelt (Princess), Robert (Tyice) and Ulysses Grant; sisters-in-law, Martha, Sarah and Juanita; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Association

http://www.stroke.org/?form=FUNYHQJGWUM.