James Allen Wiygul Sr.

Amory – James Allen Wiygul, Sr., 93, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at his residence. Born on July 31, 1922, in Hoxie, AR, he was a son of the late John Murl Wigyul, Sr., and Eva Louise Richardson Wiygul.

Mr. Wiygul graduated from Amory High School, Class of 1940. He honorably served in the US Navy during World War II from 1942 - 1945, stationed in Australia and Hawaii. On December 11, 1946, he married Lula Rose Peeler. Continuing the family tradition of working for Frisco Railroad, Mr. Wiygul’s career began in Amory. Transferring to Memphis with the railroad in 1965, he retired as the Secretary to the Superintendent of the Southern Division. In 1986, he and his wife returned to Amory.

A patient and caring person who possessed quiet strength, Mr. Wiygul was the patriarch of his family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Devoted to his wife, he loved his family, attended all his children’s events, and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Doing everything together as a family, they enjoyed fishing, camping, and vacations. An unselfish gentleman, Mr. Wiygul was a caregiver for his parents and was dedicated to caring for his wife. Very creative, he loved working with his hands, building model train sets, woodworking, and working in his yard. He enjoyed Swing music, The Lawrence Welk Show, and collecting John Wayne movies.

Survivors include daughter, Kathy Wiygul Wenzler (George), Eads, TN; son, James Allen “Al” Wiygul, Jr. (Brenda), Saltillo; sister, Margaret Clement (Charles), Amory; sister-in-law, Connie Wiygul, Amory; grandchildren, James A. “Jimmy” Wiygul, III, Bruce; Lori Stephens, Saltillo; Jeremy Wiygul (Cecilia), and Rachel Wiygul, of Boston, MA; William Anthony “Tony” Wiygul, Tupelo; Betsy Pruett, Southaven; Tammie Basinger, Cordova, TN; William T. “Billy” Basinger (Kevin Black), Austin, TX; and Daisy Wenzler, Southaven; great-grandchildren, Paige Pruett, Southaven; Stella Wenzler, Dallas, TX; Bryant Tidwell, Southaven; Jordan Wiygul, Mantachie; Jake Wiygul, Mantachie; Julieta Wiygul, Boston, MA; Tonie Funderburk, Mantachie; Alexis Funderburk, Saltillo; Antonela and Clementina Wiygul, Boston, MA; great-great-granddaughters, Harleigh Jo Sartain and Cheyenne Funderburk of Mantachie; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, and a brother, John M. Wiygul, Jr.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Rev. Jimmy Criddle and Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. Burial will be in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jimmy and Tony Wiygul; Billy Basinger; Kevin Black; Frank Peeler; and Samuel E. Fleming, III. Honorary pallbearers will be George Wenzler, Jeremy Wiygul, D’Laine Camp, Charles Clement; and the Staff of Lifeline Companions.

Visitation will be from 12 PM until the service hour, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.