In Memory Of
Russell Thomas Wigginton
1942
2023
Russell Thomas Wigginton
May 14, 1942 — June 17, 2023
Russell Thomas Wigginton, Sr. son of William Russell Wigginton Jr. and Suella Loraine Haralson Wigginton, was born on May 14, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the eldest of four children.
Russell entered into eternal rest at home on Saturday morning, June 17, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sheila Scrivener.
Russell graduated from Louisville Central High School in 1960, where he excelled academically and lettered in football. He attended Howard University and graduated with a degree in Business/Marketing in 1965. Russell spent much of his career at Louisville & Nashville Railroad (later CSX Railroad) and was recognized for his commitment to helping to create a diverse workforce during an era when people of color and women had limited opportunities.
On August 14, 1965, he was joined in marriage to Benny Marie Patterson Wigginton. They shared a loving life together for 57 years, parenting two sons and a daughter. Despite his reserved disposition and preference to remain in the background, Russell was appreciated by many for his sense of humor, social consciousness, and wise counsel. He also had an insatiable appreciation for music, especially jazz and blues. His record collection is legendary, and in retirement he could often be found shuffling through his several thousand album collection. Perhaps his favorite activity in retirement was doting over his three grandchildren, Ryan, Simone and Sutton. Known to them as "Granddaddy Russell" or "PawPaw", Russell always had a twinkle in his eye when in their company.
Russell is survived by his wife, Benny, sons Russell, Jr. (Tomeka) and Derek (Kami) and daughter Sherrie (Wayne); brothers Lawrence and Mark (Patsy); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 24 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM with celebration of Russell's life service to begin at 12:00 PM, both at The Kingdom Center, 12610 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299. Reception with family and friends immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/).
To leave a special message for the family, please use the "Share Memories" button and/or the Facebook link provided.
Russell entered into eternal rest at home on Saturday morning, June 17, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sheila Scrivener.
Russell graduated from Louisville Central High School in 1960, where he excelled academically and lettered in football. He attended Howard University and graduated with a degree in Business/Marketing in 1965. Russell spent much of his career at Louisville & Nashville Railroad (later CSX Railroad) and was recognized for his commitment to helping to create a diverse workforce during an era when people of color and women had limited opportunities.
On August 14, 1965, he was joined in marriage to Benny Marie Patterson Wigginton. They shared a loving life together for 57 years, parenting two sons and a daughter. Despite his reserved disposition and preference to remain in the background, Russell was appreciated by many for his sense of humor, social consciousness, and wise counsel. He also had an insatiable appreciation for music, especially jazz and blues. His record collection is legendary, and in retirement he could often be found shuffling through his several thousand album collection. Perhaps his favorite activity in retirement was doting over his three grandchildren, Ryan, Simone and Sutton. Known to them as "Granddaddy Russell" or "PawPaw", Russell always had a twinkle in his eye when in their company.
Russell is survived by his wife, Benny, sons Russell, Jr. (Tomeka) and Derek (Kami) and daughter Sherrie (Wayne); brothers Lawrence and Mark (Patsy); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 24 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM with celebration of Russell's life service to begin at 12:00 PM, both at The Kingdom Center, 12610 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299. Reception with family and friends immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/).
To leave a special message for the family, please use the "Share Memories" button and/or the Facebook link provided.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Thomas Wigginton, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, June 24, 2023
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
The Kingdom Center Church
Service
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
The Kingdom Center Church
Guestbook
Visits: 27
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