Perhaps you saw him . . . a tall, elderly gentleman wearing a red sports cap, purposefully striding through the neighborhood. That would have been CSM (Ret.) Henry Wallace Wiggs on his cherished morning walk.
Henry loved to walk and must have walked over 20,000 miles through the neighborhoods of the Columbia community in the past few months alone. Unfortunately, his last walk occurred on July 3rd, when he had an unexpected encounter with an unleashed dog. In an attempt to defend himself, Henry slipped and fell which led to a series of events that eventually landed him in the Neuroscience ICU at Prisma Richland Medical Center. Around 9:15 pm on July 26, CSM (Ret.) Henry Wallace. Wiggs transitioned from this life. He was 87 years old.
Henry was born on January 8, 1937, in Emanuel County, GA, the fifth of 14 children of the late Wallace and Mary Stephens Wiggs. Henry joined the Church at an early age and attended services regularly. Henry graduated high school in 1955 from Swainsboro High & Industrial and attended Morris Brown College.
On February 11, 1959, Henry was inducted into the United States Army and began a long, honorable career that would last 30 years. During his career, Henry rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Henry served in multiple tours of duty around the world, including in the Vietnam and Korean wars. He received numerous awards. Injured in service during the Vietnam War, Henry earned a Purple Heart Award. Henry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service, as well as the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd AWD), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (10th AWD), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition-
ary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th AWD), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd AWD), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Overseas Service Bar (2nd AWD), and Legion of Merit.
A lifelong learner, Henry received a B.S. degree in biology from Benedict College, and a Master of Education from Boston University.
Henry co-founded, with his wife and children, Wiggs Unlimited LLC, where he served as President. Henry continued working by traveling on weekends from Columbia to Summertown, GA, as co-owner of the Lawrence Village Restaurant.
Henry remained active even at the age of 87 years old. He loved working in the fruit garden he planted in his backyard. Once an avid runner, Henry enjoyed walking and often walked several miles daily. He was also active at Gill Creek Baptist Church, participating in the Jubilee Choir, Men’s Choir, Mass Choir and Veteran’s Ministry.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Mary; brothers Arthur, Solomon, and Robert; and sisters Sarah Cook, Susan Green, and Katie Mae Hughes.
Henry leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 65 years, Callie Mae Lawrence Wiggs; two daughters, Dr. Wylecia (Reese) and
Loraine (Richard); four sons, Harold (Tracey), Michael (Mimi), Andrew (Chandra) and Alexander (Dr. LaShana); 15 grandchildren, Christopher, Kristian, Taira, Angel, Yolanda, Mareenez; Lora, Talitha, Richard, Nia, Asha, Jaiden, Alexander, Sean, and
Alexis; two great-grandchildren, Alivia and McKenna; two sisters, Mary and Geneva; five brothers, Isaiah (Mona), Walter, Roy (Shirley), Nathaniel, and Joseph; brothers-inlaw Eddie, Richard (Edna), Roosevelt (Princess), Robert (Tyice), and Ulysses Grant;
