Dan Wiggins

Mr. Henry Daniel Wiggins, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 16 ^th , 2022.  He was born in Augusta, Georgia, to the late William Terrell Wiggins, Jr. and Alice Elizabeth Daniel on February 7, 1946.

Dan was a native of North Augusta, South Carolina; a 1964 graduate of North Augusta High School. He excelled on the athletic fields, where he lettered in both baseball and football.  After graduation, he attended Erskine College, where he played baseball, pitching for the Flying Fleet, and graduating with a degree in Physical Education.  Dan also served his country in the US Army, stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After his military service, he began his educational career as a PE teacher and coach at Edmund Burke Academy in Waynesboro, Georgia.  From 1975 to 1985, he was a recreational therapist at Gracewood State School and Hospital in Gracewood, Georgia, working with profoundly handicapped children and young adults.

In 1985, Dan was hired by the Burke County Public School System, becoming a Burke County Bear. Over the next twenty years, he taught physical education and coached multiple sports, retiring from education in 2005. After retirement, Dan did not slow down. He took his passion for Burke County athletics to the broadcasting booth, working as the color analyst for Burke County Bears football on Friday nights. He eventually became the play-by-play announcer and known to Burke County’s faithful listeners as “The Voice of the Bears”.

Dan’s spiritual gift was, without a doubt his ability to teach, coach, and mentor young people of all ages. He was a long-standing member and past deacon of First Baptist Church Waynesboro, where he was heavily involved in children’s and youth ministry. From Bible School to countless youth retreats, Dan was instrumental in impacting the lives of many children. His passion for Christ was displayed through his leadership of the Upward Sports Ministry since its inception.  As Coordinator for Upward Sports, he served hundreds of Burke County’s children. In 2015, Dan was honored as the recipient of Burke County’s Citizen of the Year Award for his lifelong commitment to the children and youth of Burke County.

His love for Burke County over the years can only be surpassed by his love for his family whom he cherished so dearly.

Dan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jone Tomlin Wiggins of Waynesboro; his sons, Daniel Wiggins of Waynesboro and Carson Wiggins and wife Bryna of Atlanta; his daughter, Elizabeth Wiggins of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his brother, Nolan Wiggins and wife Cheryl of North Augusta, SC; his sister-in-law, Wanda Wiggins of North Augusta, SC; his grandchildren, Rylan Wiggins, Eliza Wiggins, Gibbs Grant, and Isabella Grant; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Terrell Wiggins III.

The family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 2:30pm Friday, May 20 at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. Memorial Services will be held 3:00pm Friday May 20 at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro with the Dr. G. Al Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Children and Youth Ministry, 853 N. Liberty St. Waynesboro, GA 30830 and Burke County High School Touchdown Club, 1057 Burke Veterans Parkway, Waynesboro, GA 30830

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com .