Mitchell Ellis Wiggins

Mitchell “Mitch” Ellis Wiggins, 87, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, GA, with loved ones by his side.

Born on July 6, 1938, in New Orleans, LA, Mitch was the son of Ellis H. and Lucille D. Wiggins. He spent most of his life in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, where he shared 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Wagner Wiggins. After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Mitch began a new chapter in Grayson, GA, where he spent the last 15 years surrounded by love, laughter, family, and travel alongside his devoted partner, Verina Hauptmann.

A proud and devout Catholic, Mitch attended daily Mass and lived a life rooted in faith and service. He honorably served his country for over 25 years in the United States Army and the Louisiana National Guard. Outside of the military, he built and operated a successful flooring business and was known for his tireless work ethic, quick wit, and generous heart.

Mitch was happiest outdoors—fishing, hunting, bowling, or cheering on his beloved New Orleans Saints. His love of life was contagious, and his deep loyalty to family and friends defined who he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gerry; and his brother, Ellis H. Wiggins Jr.

He is survived by his loving partner of 15 years, Verina Hauptmann; and his four cherished daughters and their spouses, Laurie & Fred Bruce, Dawn & Michael O’Neil Sr., Donna & Curtis Nunez, and Rhonda & John Graf Jr.

Also surviving Mitch are his beloved grandchildren and their spouses, Michael & Effie O’Neil, Rachael & Matthew Barton, Jennifer Nunez, Brittany Bacques, Christine Bruce, Gabrielle & Tyler Forrest, John Graf III, Fred Bruce II, Rhea & John Brining, and Leah & Brett Robinson.

He was blessed with great-grandchildren, Lilah, Logan, Amelia, Vincent, Grant, Heidi, Alex & Angel, Yovanny, Delilah, and Charlie, and one great-great-grandchild, Maribel.

Mitch was also embraced and adored by the extended family he gained through Verina, stepchildren and spouses, Linda & Ken Shields, Gary & Pat Hauptmann, John & Chris Hauptmann, Monica Hauptmann; step grandchildren, Adam & Jobie Shields, Joshua & Lindsay Shields, Zachary & Rachael Shields, Hayley Shields & Marcel Van der Merwe, April Calderon, Dawn Johnson, Gary & Kristen Hauptmann, Kevin Hauptmann, Jessie & Cherie Hauptmann, Anthony Hauptmann Jr., Steven & Allison Hauptmann, Sherry Hauptmann , and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose names would take pages to list—but each held a special place in his heart.

If a life’s success is measured by the love one gives and receives, Mitch Wiggins was one of the richest men on earth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Rd., Biloxi, MS. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to The Kidney Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is serving the family.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com