John Thomas Wiggins, Sr.

Celebration of Life for Deacon John Thomas Wiggins, Sr. will be 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church (16040 AL Hwy. 20, Hillsboro, AL 35643) with Pastor Ronald Merriweather officiating and Parkway Funeral Home directing.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the funeral home.  Mr. Wiggins will lie in state from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to service at the church.  Interment will be in Midway Memorial Gardens (3740 Co. Rd. 434, Moulton, AL 35650).  Guestbook available at www.parkwayfh.com. 

John Thomas Wiggins, Sr. was born on April 18, 1941, in Nashville, TN. At the age of two, he moved to Hartselle, AL, where he was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Kate Glass. He was baptized at First MIssionary Baptist Church and attended Morgan County Training School, graduating in 1959.

Following high school, John enrolled at Tuskegee Institute (Tuskegee University), where he pursued his studies until 1964. That same year, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. After completing basic training, he was stationed in France, where he served honorably until June 1967, achieving the rank of Sergeant.  After his military service, John began his professional career with Monsanto (Ascend) before relocating to Waterbury, CT. There, he dedicated 32 years of service to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. In addition to his career, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Leotis Tyson, in a vacuum business, eventually becoming its owner.

In December 1967, John married the love of his life, Barbara J. Tyson. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising two children, John, Jr. and Melissa Rochelle.

In 1971, the family moved to Prospect, CT, where they lived for 29 years before returning to Alabama in 1999. They settled in Trinity, where they have remained for over two decades.

John was known for his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was a gentle and giving man who found joy in helping others. He had a passion for working outdoors and took great pride in his woodworking, crafting bookshelves, cabinets, and rocking horses. He had a unique ability to transform both land and lives—turning bare ground into thriving greenery and leaving every place better than he found it.

Those who knew him often said, “If you couldn’t get along with John, you couldn’t get along with anyone.”

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his devoted wife, Barbara; his children, John and Melissa; grandchildren, Asha and Ava; his brother, Robert Wiggins (Linda) of Nashville, TN; in-laws, Leotis Tyson (Shirley), Lillie Head (Wilbert), and Joyce Christian (Will, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

John lived a full and meaningful life—one defined by service, family, and quiet strength. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Canaan Missionary Baptist Church VBS, or Voices For Our Father's Legacy Foundation, P. O. Box 1001, Writz, VA 24184.

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