Wiggins Lee Emanuel, age 88, of Marianna, FL passed away peacefully at his home on October 22, 2026.
Born on January 4, 1938, in Faceville, Georgia, Wiggins was the son of Thomas Marion Emanuel and Thelma Smith Emanuel. He lived a life marked by dedicated service to his country and a lasting legacy of family.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Wiggins enlisted in the United States Air Force in September of 1956. Over the course of his distinguished 22 year military career, he served as a T42672 Jet-Engine Technician, retiring honorably in April of 1978. A Vietnam veteran, he served at various assignments including; Germany, San Antonio and Wichita Falls, Texas, Greenville, South Carolina and Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia. He completed his military career as the Instructor Supervisor of the Jet Engine Mechanic Course at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of Air Force technicians. His service and dedication were recognized with the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
Beyond his military service, Wiggins built a family legacy that will continue for generations. He shared 37 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dorothy Owens Emanuel who preceded him in death on July 22, 2024. Their years together were a cherished part of his life, and her memory remains woven into the family they shared.
Wiggins is survived by his five children, Edward Lee Emanuel and his wife, Michelle, Dorothy Ann Smith and her husband, Vince, Alice Faye Ivester and her husband, Wayne, Donald Jay Emanuel, whose late wife was Beth, and Michael Ray Emanuel and his wife, Robin. He is also survived by his two stepchildren, Kris Shores and her companion, Mike Lawrence, as well as Michael Shores and his wife, Joanna.
His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Betty Sermon, Derrick Emanuel and his wife, Shannon Emanuel, Joshua Emanuel, Ashley Kilpatrick and her husband, Joe Kilpatrick Jr., Matthew Emanuel, Tasha Emanuel, Tonya Farmer and her husband, Billy Farmer, Keri Battaglia and her husband, Stephen Battaglia, and Sadie Emanuel.
Wiggins was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, extending his family legacy across five generations. He is further survived by his sister, Dorothy Hyatt, and her children, Marcia White and Tony Harrell. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Roy Emanuel and Gerald Emanuel. His family legacy continues through Gerald’s children: Elizabeth Collins and her husband, Bradley, Cheryl Zeches and her husband, John, Wayne Emanuel, and David Emanuel and his wife, Charzel.
He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Casey Emanuel, in January 2026 and his nephew, Terry Sykes. He leaves behind extended family members and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.
Wiggins will be remembered for his honorable service to his country and the enduring place he held in the hearts of his family. His life was part of a legacy that extends far beyond his years, living on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Though his passing leaves a deep void in the lives of those who loved him, the memories he leaves behind and the generations that follow will ensure that his legacy lives on.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 A.M. at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, Chapel of the Pines, with Reverend Gary Gable officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of the Pines Mausoleum, with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Partners for Pets Marianna, P.O. Box 315 Marianna, FL 32447.
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