Wayne M. Wiggins, Jr.

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Wayne McVey Wiggins, Jr., 81, of Jonesboro, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. Wayne was born in Houston, Texas, and was a graduate of Baylor University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1958 and attained the rank of Captain.

While attending Baylor, Wayne met and married the love of his life, Willa Dean Burris, affectionately known as "Prairie Flower," and they lived in Houston until moving to Jonesboro in 1964 when he began farming in the Egypt community. He had a life-long passion for soil and water conservation. He traveled from San Diego to Quebec to Bolivia and all points in between speaking about his love of the land. Wayne was active in various farm organizations and served 20 years in Craighead County Conservation District and was past president of Northeast Arkansas Conservations Districts. Wayne was past president of NEA Resource Conservation and Development, state vice president of Resource Conservation Development and board member of Craighead Farmers Co-op. He received numerous state and national awards recognizing his work in conservation tillage.

Wayne was a long-time member and past chairman of Craighead County Historical Society, member of the Jonesboro-Craighead County Library board of directors, and past chairman of the Salvation Army board of directors. Wayne was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro where he served as a Deacon.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents: Wayne M., Sr. and Winnie Head Wiggins; his sister, Esther Louise Osborn; and a grandson, Luke Wiggins.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Willa Dean Wiggins of the home;
1 son and daughter-in-law: Wayne M., III, and Nonie Wiggins of Jonesboro;
2 daughters and sons-in-law: Deborah L. and Dr. James P. Webb of Springfield, Missouri, and Sarah L. and Pete Murphy of Jonesboro;
6 grandchildren and their spouses: Jake Webb, Dr. Zack and Dr. Clairese Webb, Dr. Mark and Sandra Wiggins, Lance Wiggins, Trevor Murphy and Mallory Murphy; and 1 great granddaughter, Lilly Grace Wiggins.

A graveside committal service will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Arliss Dickerson officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Arliss Dickerson and Ross Burton officiating.

Active pallbearers include Jake Webb, Zack Webb, Lance Wiggins, Trevor Murphy, Dan Purnell, Eric Grant, Pat Snodgrass and Dennis Combs. Honorary pallbearers include Dick Holman, John St. Clair, Carter Dryer and Bill Mihelich and all his many friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Salvation Army, 800 Cate Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401, or First Baptist Church Care Center, 701 S. Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401.