George "Peter" Wigginton, III
May 27, 1937 ~ October 30, 2018
George Peter Wigginton, III, “Pete”, 81 of Bushwood, MD went to be with the Lord and loved ones on October 30, 2018. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Betsy Reeves Wigginton. Sons: George (Jamie), Tom and beloved daughter Amy (Jamie). Brother: Bob (Sally). Grandchildren: Thomas, Emily, Chip (Sarah), Hunter, Cameron, Andy and Sarah. Step grandchildren: Kellie, Samantha (Ben), Ryan, and Nicholas. Great granddaughter: Ryleigh and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Pete loved St. Mary’s County culture and her people, her tobacco legacy and her waterman heritage. He possessed an unabashed love of history and devotion to his faith and family.
Born in Leonardtown, MD, Pete graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1954, completed degrees at Loyola College and University of Maryland, honing his love for the “King’s English” and philosophy. Extremely well read and classically educated, he could translate Latin and Greek and quoted Chaucer and Shakespeare at length. He served our country with the Coast Guard and protected Maryland resources working with the Department of the Environment.
Pete was a devout Catholic and longtime active member of Holy Angels Church, teaching Catechism and serving as lector. He took delight in his grandchildren; catching rockfish, hiking in the mountains and telling wonderful stories of old times. He had a passion for photography and his photos were featured in many historical publications. One of Pete’s unique characteristics was his ability to create incredible caricatures and cartoons on placemats and napkins while dining in restaurants. Wait staff were often so wowed that they took artwork home to frame and many restaurants display his talent.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church Avenue, MD with Father Samuel Plummer officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery Bushwood, MD. Pallbearers will be: Chip Wigginton, Thomas Wigginton, Hunter Wigginton, Tom Love, Ben Wynkoop and Zach McKinney.
Please direct any contributions to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 7 Avenue, MD 20609, as their heroic efforts fulfilled his wish to pass away in his treasured home, St. Mary’s County, surrounded by family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Peter is really going to miss those of us who see the work he does at the Historical Society. God bless the family.
Remembering Peter from St. Mary’s Academy days. He was a friendly guy with a big smile for all. Blessings and prayers for the family. He will be missed.
Betsy and family,
We are both saddened to hear of Pete’s passing. We enjoyed chatting with him when we would bump into him while out and about. We know your heart is heavy and pray that your strength will get you through these tough days ahead. Much love……
My sincere heartfelt sympathy to Betsy and family. My husband, Matt, and I were in the Class of 1954 with Peter at dear old SMA. He really was an asset to our class. May he rest in peace with his loved ones who were waiting for him to join them at last. God bless you all.
Our deepest condolences and sympathy at this very difficult time. “May the of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials, so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with comfort that we received from our God” 2 Corinthians 1:3
Sorry to hear of Peters passing. He was the customer with the patience and pleasure to wait on. We will certainly miss him. It was great pleasure to know. Customers like him are very rare. His manner was very outstanding. We will miss him greatly. Betty and Walter Russell
Dear Betsy and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your great loss. Peter was truly a kind man . I can’t say enough about him. I remember when he worked for my Dad in the funeral home, when I was little, and through the years, I loved the times when he stopped in my office just to say hello and share a joke or words of wisdom. He took my brothers, Charles & Howard, fishing and I have such a memorable photo of that day that I love. You are in my prayers.
Dear Amy,
Praying for peace and strength in the days ahead for you and your family. You are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jenna
Betsy and Family,
We are keeping you in our prayers through this difficult time and hope that many happy memories will help you. Pete was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by many. May God bless you all.
Betsy & Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hattie & George
Betsy and family, We want to extend to you our sincerest sympathy. Be assured of our love, thoughts and prayers.
“ Amy, Jamie and family,
All your Mississippi relatives are grieving with you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you walk through this “dark valley”. We hope you can find comfort knowing that (as Psalm 23 reminds us) our Good Shepherd is with you. He is preparing the banquet table for your dad even as you grieve his empty chair at your earthly table. May your cherished memories give you strength and consolation.
Love,
Uncle Danny, Aunt Joan, Mike, Maria, Mary, Joe , John