FRANKLIN — Joe “Son” Nye Wiggins Sr., 80, passed away peacefully at his Moseley, Virginia, home on March 3, 2018 with his family at his bedside.

He was born in Franklin, Virginia, a son of the late John Bowers Wiggins and Mary Josephine Nye Wiggins. He was also predeceased by a brother, John B. “Jackie” Wiggins Jr.

He attended the University of Richmond. He was a farmer, real estate investor, and trucker.

Joe Nye was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and recently completed a one-year service mission for his church.

He was also a member of the Forks of the River Ruritan Club, The Lions Club, and a former Farm Bureau board member.

He enjoyed traveling and had visited 48 of the 50 states.

Joe Nye will be remembered for his unique Southern drawl and gift for helping those in need. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to everyone. He loved to spend time with his 10 grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pamela King Wiggins; his son, Joe Jr., and his wife, Kara, and their children, Chris, Jayson, Zachary and Karly; his daughter, Joanna Garofalo, and her husband, Eric, and their children, Mark Joshua, Ava, Julia and Emma; his son, John Parker, and his wife, Kyle, and their children, Caleb and Parker.

The funeral was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 309 Homestead Road in Franklin. The burial was at the family cemetery at 4J Farm on 30149 Smiths Ferry Road.

The family did receive friends in the church one hour prior to the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.