Reginald Wiggins

Reginald Lee Wiggins, was born July 18, 1942, in Norfolk, VA as the eleventh child born to the late Everett Drew Wiggins, Sr. and Mobie Brown Wiggins of Capron, VA. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Hyman Wiggins; eight siblings, Dorothy M. Clark, Millie L. Edmonds, Edna L. Crowder, Bernice C. Wiggins, Everett D. Wiggins, Jr., Euclid T. Wiggins, Robert L. Wiggins, and Collin Q. Wiggins.

At an early age he had very red hair, and that was why his family started calling him “Red”. He was the apple of his mother’s eye. Reginald attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, in 1960. He was a member of their drama group, which received high honors throughout the state of Virginia. He continued his dramatic experiences at Norfolk State (College) University. Many remember the role he played in Oedipus Rex, starring as King Oedipus. Reginald had a passion for baseball and was a member of the Rinky Dinks Baseball team. He also enjoyed playing recreational tennis.

After graduation, Reginald served in the United States Army achieving the rank of First Sergeant. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Norfolk State (College) University, where he was an original member of their first baseball team. Continuing his education at the University of Virginia, he received a Master of Education.  He was the Principal of Tidewater Park Elementary School and Assistant Principle at J. B. Stuart Elementary School, in Norfolk, VA. He was an outstanding Administrator and beloved by his fellow workers.

Reginald enjoyed singing and acting. He started singing in the choir at Laura E. Titus Elementary School in the second grade, as well as singing the lead in I. Sherman Greene’s choir at Booker T. Washington High School. Reginald was one of the original cast members of “Hello Dolly” at the Tidewater Dinner Playhouse. If you go to You tube you can see him in the movie “The Death of Ocean View”, he had several speaking lines all the way through the movie.

Reginald joined the Soka Gakkai International lay Buddhist organization in the late 1980’s. He delighted in holding discussion meetings at his home, encouraging the members and introducing others to the practice. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and hosting them in his home on holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers.

He leaves to cherish his memories, children, Robin Avant Brown (Adam), Carol Alexander (Jennifer), Roger Crumrine (Jessica); grandsons, Austin, Camden, Miles; siblings, Audreynell Kelly (Lewis), Rudolph V. Wiggins, Ph.D.; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Reginald will be sorely missed by his family and friends.