Walter Charles Wiggins, III

On May 28, 2016 Walter Wiggins passed away peacefully among his family. Walter C. Wiggins was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on September 29, 1952 to Walter Wiggins Jr and Clara Mae Wiggins. His early formative years were spent in New Haven, Connecticut where he attended Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Sheridan Junior High School and Wilbur Cross High School. Walter was selected from a group of gifted students to attend Yale University to participate in an advanced academic program. While attending Wilbur Cross High School Walter met his High School sweetheart Lydia Falls and instantly fell in love. They were married March 31, 1972 in New Haven, Connecticut. From this union were conceived two children, Rodney and Lawrence Wiggins. Walter enlisted in the United States Army and spent three year’s active duty in Germany. Upon discharge Walter moved his family to Landover, Maryland. He attended Prince Georges Community College and took business courses at The University of Maryland. Walter's career started as a Collections Manager at the Psychiatric Institute in Washington, D.C. After a few years at the Psychiatric Institute, Walter took a position at the DGEFCU where he advanced to Vice President. Walter’s business talents motivated him to start United Services Collection Agency as an entrepreneur. His business became successful and he continued up until the time of his death. Walter had a vigorous spirit and he loved spending time with family and friends. He traveled on numerous occasions to visit his siblings and family in New Haven CT, Spartanburg, SC, Minneapolis, MN and Virginia. He was an avid reader and had a wealth of knowledge which he often shared with his family and friends. Whenever there was a discussion regarding politics, history, tax preparation, etc., family and friends knew who to call for advice. Prior to his death Walter was reading a book entitled "The Great Wall - China's Wonder of the World." Walter and Lydia had recent plans to visit Shanghai China and afterwards cruise the Pacific Ocean to South Seoul Korea, Thailand and Singapore. In addition to his love to travel and read, he loved to play the piano and sing. Whenever friends and family stopped by to visit he insisted on everyone joining him around the piano. Needless to say "NO" was never an option. Music was in his blood. His mother Clara, a professional pianist, had made such an impression in his life. From the time he and his siblings were children, music was the glue that kept them together. Because of his love for music, during his recent cruise ship vacation, he spontaneously walked into a piano lounge and asked if he could sit down at their baby grand piano to perform. He played the piano and sung a rendition of Lionel Ritchie’s song “Easy”, after which he received a standing ovation. That was Walter’s last and final performance. Sports was another one of Walter's hobbies. His favorite team was the Washington Redskins. On game day he sat in front of the TV decked out in his Redskin ensemble cheering them on, many times with his sons and grandsons. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren were evident. Every opportunity he got, he would talk tirelessly about their accomplishments. He was so proud to be a husband of a spiritual devoted wife, father and grandfather that he dedicated his life. Within his circle of closest friends their friendships expanded twenty-five - forty years. Once a friend, always a friend for life was his motto. Walter was the beloved husband of Lydia Wiggins for 47 years. Devoted father of Rodney & Michelle Wiggins of Jacksonville, FL and Lawrence & Raette Wiggins of Fort Washington, MD. He was also the dear brother of Cheryl Joyner and her husband Toby of New Haven, CT; Carla Nowling of New Haven, CT, Robert Wiggins and his wife Dorthea of Jacksonville, FL and Rhonda Wiggins of New Haven, CT. Loving grandfather of Chakeya Logan, Stephon Wiggins, Deaize Wiggins and Raelyne Wiggins. In addition to his parents Walter was pre-deceased by his sisters the late Twannna Wiggins and Shelia Wiggins. Repast will be held following service at Potomac Knolls Community Center 1101 Aragona Boulevard Fort Washington, MD 20744 4:00pm – 8:00pm