Bishop William P. Wiggins Sr., 85, of 2400 Pine Tree Way, Suffolk, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Center.

Bishop Wiggins was born in Gates County, N.C., on June 16, 1929, and was the son of the late Archie and Mary Bell Wiggins. He retired from Planters Peanut Company after 30 years as a forklifter. He was the founder and pastor of the New Mount Joy COGIC (now New Mount Joy Food For Living Ministry) for 52 years and was also the presiding prelate of the United Church of God Fellowship Inc.

Bishop Wiggins was a former superintendent of the Suffolk District Churches of God in Christ, where he served faithfully for 28 years. He also served as chairman of the Pastor’s and Elders Council; administrative assistant to Bishop Levi Willis Sr., then prelate of the Third Jurisdiction Churches of God in Christ, State of Virginia, which resulted in the appointment as the regional overseer of the Central Region. He also served as member of the following: chartered member of the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the City-Wide Passion Week Planning Committee, the City-Wide National Day of Prayer Committee, the American Lung Society, the Food Bank Society and Supporter of Social Services Activities Committee.

Bishop Wiggins received numerous awards including: Pastor of the Year Award presented by the Department of Social Services, William P. Wiggins Sr. Day Proclamation, Pastor of the Year Award presented by the Suffolk District Church of God in Christ, Prestigious Award of Esteem, East Suffolk Civic League Community Service award, Alpha Phi Alpha Man of the Year award, Black History of the Month honoree, NAACP Area II award for Outstanding Community Service, and the General Assembly of Virginia, Commendation for Recognition of 45 years of Service Award.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Leon, Earl, George Washington, John Henry, Elder Thomas Archie Wiggins Sr.; his sisters, Margaret Cross, Dallie, Emma Jane and Arrie Dell Wiggins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Lula Mae Goodman-Wiggins; his daughters, Brenda Knight, Linda Golden and Joan Wiggins; his son, Pastor William P. Wiggins Jr. (Gwendolyn); his brother, Joe Wiggins; five grandchildren, Neketa Knight, Alvin Knight, Jr., Willie Golden, Jr., Alicia Golden and Antonio Golden; four great-grandchildren, Maliq Hall, Jaylynd Knight, Jordyn Knight and Camden Walker; a special niece, Dorothy Eloise Goodman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at 6 p.m. at New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministry. A funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at noon at New Mount Joy Food For Living Ministry. Entombment at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Professional services entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.