Henry Leaton Wiginton

Henry Leaton Wiginton, age 82, of Gulfport, died Sunday, April 20, 2008 in Gulfport. He was born August 9, 1925 to Leat and Beatrice Harris Wiginton at a sawmill camp in western Tippah County, MS. Rev. Wiginton was an Elder of the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. He attended Corinth High School, Southeast Community College, University of North Alabama and received his theological training at Emory University. Rev. Wiginton served 28 years of active appointments. He previously served in the U. S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and his last assignment was aboard the USS Alabama. He was a member of F&AM # 422, Gulfport, and Order of the Eastern Star, Coast Chapter 51, Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Gary Ray Wiginton and Bobby L. Preston, Jr; brothers, Hilton Wiginton and Oscar West; and a sister, Velma R. Carter (Jerry). Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Wiginton of Gulfport; children, Gardner Clyde Wiginton of Sheffield, AL, Joan Elizabeth Cook (J.D.) of Florence, AL, Janet Wiginton of Sheffield, AL, Eddie Preston (Maria) of Gulfport, John F. Wiginton (Lisa) of Hickory Flats, MS, and Julie Catherine Wiginton of Water Valley, MS; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, James M. Wiginton (Frances) of Harlingen, TX; sisters, Mary I. Wolfe of Victoria, MS, Sara Ward (Richard) of Clarkston, MI; and a sister-in-law, Lois Wiginton of Memphis, TN. The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Coalville United Methodist Church, Biloxi, where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Coalville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501, Coalville Cemetery Fund, Coalville United Methodist Church, 12298 Shorecrest Road, Biloxi, MS 39532, or to the charity of one's choice in memory of Rev. Henry L. Wiginton. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com