Mr. Willie Diggs Diggs departed this life on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at his residence. Age 71 years. He was born June 2, 1942 in Issaquena County, Mississippi to Cleotha Diggs and Vanilla Murphy Barkus.
Willie was primarily raised by his grandparents Will and Hattie Murphy in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He met F. Marie Gibbs in 1962. They were joined in holy matrimony on August 15, 1964. Willie and Marie recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. From this union three children were born, Charlotte Olivia, Reginald Gerald and Constance Tennille Diggs. Willie was employed at Baker Perkins as an International Field Service Representative, a position that allowed him to travel the world. Some of his many destinations were Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East. He retired in 2001 after many years of faithful service. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at New Life Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Rufus Bradley where he had been a member since 1995. Diggs was a dedicated, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife, F. Marie Diggs; two children, Reginald (Stacy) Diggs and Constance Diggs; six grandchildren, Chantel (Shawn) Kelly, Jimmie Davis, Gabrielle Hughes, Jeremy Neal, Braylon Diggs and Jaden Neal; two great-grandchildren, Callista Kelly and Jordyn Davis; four sisters, Evelyn Chambers, Carolyn Robertson, Gwendolyn (Karl) Harris, Roslyn Barkus; two brothers, Peter and Christopher Barkus; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille (Lawrence) Osbourne, Geneva (Sim) Wesley, Shirley Garrison, Edward (Helen) Burton, Bernard Gibbs, Ernestine Graham; very special cousins, Celeste (William) Simmons, Laura (Archie Lee) Tanner, Frank Murphy, RC Murphy and Albert Murphy Jr.; special son-in-law, Samuel Genwright; many other relatives and friends including his good friend, Charlie Macklin.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Cleotha Diggs and Vanilla Barkus; grandparents, Will and Hattie Murphy; one daughter, Charlotte Genwright; step-father, Clyde Barkus Sr.; one brother, Clyde Barkus Jr.; two sisters, Hattie May Taylor and Marylyn Taylor; mother-in-law, Queen Mary Gibbs; special uncles, Albert Murphy, Jerry Murphy and Charles Diggs; special aunt, Augusta Murphy; special cousins, Bennie and Edith Parker.
The family wishes to express special thanks to everyone who offered a kind word, condolences and prayers during our time of bereavement.
Visitation: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
Service Plans: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
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