2020 RETA Breeze Nov-Dec

Jeff was born in Newberry, SC on September 22, 1962 to Marion and Betty Wiggins and enjoyed most of his childhood and early adulthood there. Shortly after meetingWanda, they were married on June 2, 1985 and shared 35 years together. In that time, they moved to North Carolina, raised two children, enjoyed the joyful beginnings of becoming grandparents, and experienced many travel adventures together. Jeff firmly believed that it was important to explore the United States, and he and Wanda often took lengthy road trips to do just that. His family looks forward to showing Jefferson some of Pop Pop’s coworkers to be extremely hardworking, with a work ethic that was well known. It was important to Jeff that his time at Perdue Farms be recognized, particularly the way in which Perdue offered him grace, support, and respect in his final days. As an employee of Perdue for over twenty years, both he and his family are proud of the ways in which he rose within the company. He was sometimes referred to as“THE Jeff”by those that worked with him in the industry. While that nickname carried with it the weight of the seriousness with which he took his profession, it is also a source of laughter for his family. As intimidating as he might have been on the work floor, he was known to be much softer and gentler at home. When a life has been cut short, well before expected, one of the best ways to honor that life is to carry on the quirks of that person. Therefore, Jeff's family solemnly swears to double and triple check that every picture on the wall is perfectly level. They will never go on errands without first asking every person in the house if they want to go with them. They will consider the beach vacation to be the epitome of family fun and promise to dutifully teach Jefferson how to gather shark's teeth. They will make sure that macaroni cheese pie is present at holidays. Even though they are a little afraid of her, they promise to watch after the cat and occasionally let her sit in favorite places in the near future. Jeff is known by many friends and

their laps. Most importantly, they will remember Jeff exactly as he was - a wonderful husband, father, Pop Pop, friend, and person. His family is a shining example of the work and love he poured into them.While they cannot possibly begin to imaginewhat lifewill be likewithout him, they will take care of one another - exactly as he did for the past 35 years. In lieu of flowers, Jeff has requested that donations be made to the Richmond County Hospice of Rockingham, NC. During a time that felt impossible and scary, the staff offered constant guidance and tenderness. Thank you for providing comfort, both physically and emotionally, while his family grieved an unimaginable loss. In particular, thank you to the women and men at Hospice Haven - thank you for caring for Wanda when her children could not be there, for playing with Jefferson and allowing him to be a noisy toddler, and for offering Jeff peace and comfort in his final days. Donations can be made online at www.richmondcountyhospice. com or by phone at 910-997-4464. JeffWiggins was a RETA member for over 18 years and served as the treasurer for RETA’s Carolinas Chapter. He dedicated so much of his time supporting the chapter and was committed to the chapter’s growth and expansion. He was a true ambassador for RETA in the local chapter and truly lived the RETA mission. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace Brother and we will see you again on the other side.

Michael JeffreyWiggins passed away on October 17, 2020 in Rockingham, NC after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was known by most as Jeff but had recently taken on the name of Pop Pop among his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, WandaWiggins of Hamlet, NC; his two children, Britney Lowe (Bradley) and RyanWiggins (Damaris); and his grandson, Jefferson Lowe. He is also survived by his mother, BettyWiggins of Newberry, SC and his two sisters, Jean Stone and Jan Moore. There are countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family that will also remember Jeff fondly. He is preceded in death by his father, MarionWiggins of Newberry, SC. Michael Jeffrey Wiggins A TRIBUTE The refrigeration industry has lost a very dedicated person recently.

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