David Wiggins, Jr.

Mr. David Wiggins Jr., aka “Big Dave,” departed this life on November 9th, 2023, at the McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC.  David was the son of the late Ellen Johnson Wiggins McCray and David Wiggins, both of Dillon, SC. He was born on March 3, 1943, in Dillon, South Carolina. David’s biological father died before his birth he was later raised by his step-father, the late Mr. Willie McCray of Loris, SC. David was the oldest son of twelve siblings 

David was educated in the Finklea County School system. He grew up working in agriculture and farming in and around Horry County. During his farming career at Mr. Arthur Williams's Farm, he met the love of his life, Ms. Catherine McCray.

David and Catherine were married on August 7th, 1967, in Loris, SC. They moved to New York City in the late 1960s, and four daughters were born into this union. David was employed with the Joffrey Ballet Theatre and then Treitel-Gratz Industries for nearly 20 years. 

David accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior under the Late Bishop Carl J. Graham of The Holy Tabernacle Church in New York City, where he was ordained as a deacon and served as a musician. In the early 1980s, David relocated with his family to Norristown, Pennsylvania, for several years and then moved to Florence, South Carolina, in 1986.  After many years of battling with alcoholism, David rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and joined the Bethel Word Church in Mullins, SC, under the late Apostle Vivian L. Troy.  David was again ordained as a Deacon and served in the Lord’s church for nearly 25 years. Deacon David loved praying over the offering, singing, and praising the Lord while he shared his testimony.

David loved fishing, cooking, and selling pork skins, serving in his community by giving out food boxes from the “Sheppard’s bin.” David would call and check on his family members weekly and share the “Good News of the Gospel” with anyone he met. David was known in the community of Marion and Florence as “The Skin Man.” He had his own special recipe that everyone loved.

In addition to his parents, David Wiggins Jr. was preceded in death by six siblings, Mary Ruth Vereen, Wanda Louise Jenerette, Betty Louise Johnson, John L. McCray, Willie McCray Jr., and Jerry  McCray. 

David leaves to cherish his memories Elder Catherine Wiggins, his wife of 56 years. Four children, Dr. Theresa Wiggins, Columbia, SC; Eleanor Wiggins, Florence, SC; Minister Linette Edwards, Marion, SC; and Elder Michelle Gerald, Greenville, SC. Two sons-in-law, Deacon Steven Edwards, Marion, SC, and Elder Donn Gerald, Greenville, SC. Ten grandchildren, Kervin(Anya) James, Davette Wiggins, David Wiggins III, Nijel Wiggins, Ja’hkeira Wiggins, Jaryn Gerald, Shae’l Gerald, Desiree Gerald, Yasmine Gerald and Jonathan Sanders. Eight Great-grand children, Ariayah White, Marcus White, Josiah Wiggins, Kermari James, Kylen Royale, Kaleb James, Christopher Williams,  Kearstin James; four sisters, Clara Mae Wiggins, Dillon SC, Almeta (John) Woods, Little River, SC. Debra Moore, Norristown, PA and Ellar (Robert) Grate, Norristown, PA and two brothers James (Lillie) McCray, Wilmington, NC. and Bishop Richard (Tanya) McCray, Norristown, PA; Six sister-n-laws, Lillie Jean McCray, Tanya McCray, Bertha McCray, Redell McCray, Dora (Freddie) Motley, Nerrissia McCray and Bettie (Willie) McCrae and one brother-in-law Ernest Jenerette. A very special niece Mrs. Tammy Sommerset, A special cousin Jasper ‘Jap” McCollum; three God-children Jermaine (Christy) Motley, Michael Eaddy and Noelle Copper. Two special friends, Mr George (of Tiger Mart) and Deacon Wilson Eaddy.  A number of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that are too great to name.

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