Cover photo for Vernie T. Wiggins's Obituary
Vernie T. Wiggins Profile Photo
1933 Vernie 2025

Vernie T. Wiggins

April 15, 1933 — October 14, 2025

Savannah

Vernie T. Wiggins, affectionately known to all as “Papa,” passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on April 15, 1933, in Millen, Georgia, Vernie lived a life defined by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family. In June of 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family, and kindness.

Vernie proudly served in the United States Army before beginning a long and successful career as a sales representative for Tropical Uniforms. Known for his strong work ethic, honesty, and genuine warmth, he treated every customer like family. Yet, his favorite and most cherished role was being “Papa.” His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life—he never missed a ballgame, a birthday, or a chance to share a story that brought smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

Those who knew Vernie will remember his gentle spirit, sharp wit, and the way he made everyone feel seen and valued. His legacy of love, humor, and strength will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Laura Wiggins; his beloved wife, Mary Lou; his daughter, Kimberly Hanks; and his siblings, Cardell, James, Johnny Sr., Odell, Juanita Coursey, and Sandra Smith.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Mike Cates; his grandchildren, Chris and Jen Hanks, and Elizabeth Marie and Vincent Osonitsch; great-grandchildren, Hunter Kimmel, Cason Hanks, Easton Madden, Eshin Osonitsch, and Charles Osonitsch; his sister, Jerlene Ranew; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Anita Wiggins; and his son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Dwayne and Ann Hanks.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Bonaventure Cemetery.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernie T. Wiggins, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Graveside Service

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 401

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree