Rev. Richard K Wiggins

Wiggins, Richard Kermit, age 95, passed away March 28, 2024.  He was born a proud third generational Floridian in Ellenton, Florida on May 4, 1928, son of Kermit and Carmen Wiggins.  As the son of a farmer and fisherman, le learned to love Gods earth and all its beauty.  He was survived by his two loving children, daughter Nina Bellinger and her husband Paul, son Richard “Rick” Wiggins and his wife Sue, Phil Wiechmann, husband of deceased daughter Becky and their families.  Richard now joins in heavenly peace his loving wife of 73 years Mae, brother Jim and daughter Becky Wiechmann.  Fulfilling his life and providing never-ending love were grandchildren, Gina, Melissa, Leah, Danny, Jennifer, Jacqueline and Gabrielle and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Richard was a star athlete while at Palmetto HS and later attended Georgia Tech and the University of Florida on football scholarships.  When an injury ended his playing career, he answered the call to follow the Lord and entered the seminary to become a pastor.  At the young age of 20, Richard became pastor of his first church, Clearview Methodist Church.  In order to complete his graduate degree Richard and Mae moved to Atlanta where he attended Emory University.  While completing his studies he accepted the responsibilities as pastor at Bethesday Methodist Church.  He loved the people of Georgia but not the winters and soon returned to Florida where he became pastor at Roser Memorial Church on Anna Maria Island for 10 years.  After a brief leave during the mid-60’s to work in the migrant program he returned to the ministry and for 12 years was Pastor at Lakewood United Church of Christ in St Petersburg.  With his children now grown he accepted his final assignment when he and Mae moved to New Port Richey and he became pastor at Community Congregational Church, affiliated with the United Church of Christ in New Port Richey, where he eventually retired 14 years later.  Richard was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed family camping trips across the country, leaving many wonderful memories.  He was actively involved in community and conservation efforts and upon retirement became knows as the “butterfly man” as he raised to flight many Monarch butterflies from his home. Richard enjoyed traversing the Cotee river as he  captained his pontoon boat on many fishing, swimming and relaxing tours with family and friends while exploring the many waterways in and around the area.  Richard and Mae later resided at Regency Residence of New Port Richey and after Mae’s passing in 2021, Richard moved to Promise Pointe in Temple Terrace to be closer to family where he lived the remainder of his long life.   Richard will be remembered as a caring and always giving man who was a great husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.  Rest in peace Richard, you will be missed.