In Memory of Bill Wiginton

Billy Ray Wiginton Sr., 91, longtime resident of Panola, Oklahoma, beloved husband, daddy, and papa went home to meet his Lord and Savior on August 17, 2024.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 23, 2024, at the Wilburton First Assembly of God Church with Mr. Stuart Winlock officiating. The burial will follow at the Maxey Cemetery, near Victor, Oklahoma under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Bill was born to Ola Dean and James Wiginton on November 28, 1932, near Wister, Oklahoma. His family moved to California when he was around 8 years old. Bill returned to the Wister area around age 13 to live with and help his Grandma Nancy, who was a widow. He graduated high school in Wister and joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country during the Korean War, and traveling around the world.

While on leave from the Navy, Bill reconnected with Patsy White, who would shortly become his wife. Bill and Pat were married almost 69 years. After living a few years in California, and the birth of their first daughter, the happy couple moved to Wilburton, Oklahoma in 1958, where they lived for most of their remaining years.

Bill had 3 daughters and a son. He loved being a dad and later in life being Papa Bill. Nothing gave him greater joy than visits from family and friends and he made everyone feel welcome in his home.

Bill attended Wilburton First Assembly of God Church with his family for decades, serving on the church board for many years. He attended EOSC on the GI bill and obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill worked at Kiamichi Electric from May, 1960, until his retirement almost 35 years later in January, 1995. He started out as a mechanic and through the years was on the construction and maintenance crews. He also held the positions of staking engineer, material/workorder clerk/dispatcher and finally wrapped up his career as the purchasing agent.

Bill was a true cowboy who loved his home and forty acres. He enjoyed raising cattle, riding horses, hunting, fishing, sports and most of all spending time with his family. He worked hard to maintain and beautify the home he believed was a blessing from God.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Wiginton, mother, Ola Dean King, father, James Wiginton, sisters Faye Dean Wiginton and Lois Laverne Wiginton. Surviving to cherish his memory are brother, Jim Wiginton, sister, Artie Irving, daughters Nora Sutton and husband Jeff, Pamela Taylor and husband Ron, Laura Sanders and husband Dave; son Bill Wiginton Jr. and wife Michelle; grandchildren Russell Ross and wife Brooke, Elizabeth Acker and husband Jon, Steven Newsom and wife Kim, Linda Campbell and husband Rodney, Monica Moore and husband David, Jill Laturnus, Ty Taylor and wife Molly, Sara Lewis and husband Wes, Michael Sanders and wife Chelsie, Colleen Connaughton and husband Daniel, Shelby Carr and husband Jacob, Shea Wiginton, Baylee Wiginton, Brynna Wiginton, and Brett Wiginton; great-grandchildren Bryce Ross, Rianne Thomas and husband Dakota, Ava Ross, Emma Ross, Christopher Newsom, Kennedy Newsom, Kaylee Campbell, Boedy Campbell, Jordan Wheaton and husband Brad, Carson Moore and wife Kaleen, Colt Moore, Boedy Black, Chelbi Black, Brentlee Black, Bennett Black, Brock Sabbee, Jordan Litherland, Vivian Taylor, Declan Taylor, Jackson Embers, Nathan Embers and wife Samantha, Caroline Lewis, Ellanore Sanders, Olivia Sanders, Rosalyn Sanders, Raylynn Carr, and Raleigh Carr; great-great grandchildren Luke Ross, Bucky Ross, Gnaeus Ross, Remmington Wheaton, Lennox Wheaton, Zoey Moore, Addieline Moore, Kiensler Moore, Wesley Embers and Oaklyn Embers; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.