Joe Bartow Wigglesworth Sr.

Posted on January 29, 2025

Joe Bartow Wigglesworth Sr., 84, passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, in Tallahassee.

Born on Sept. 12, 1940, in Fenholloway, Joe lived a life marked by dedication to his family and service to his community.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force for several years. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued a career as an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a role he deeply cherished.

In addition to his work with FWC, Joe embraced the family trade of masonry, continuing a proud tradition shared by many of the men in his family.

In his youth, Joe was an accomplished basketball player and enjoyed competing with his school teams. He always said true talent lay in the college teams not in the professionals. That’s where you can see them shine the most.

Throughout his adult life, Joe enjoyed traveling with his wife to numerous places; it brought him much joy to see the places around him.

Throughout his life, he was known as a devoted family man who consistently cared for those around him in times of need.

Joe cared deeply for his friends throughout his life. He started to see things differently and loved more deeply with less judgment for friends and family.

Joe is survived by: his beloved wife, Zona Wigglesworth; four children, Joe Wigglesworth Jr., Kimberly Baker (Jack), Loyd Hawkins (Donna) and Angela Perez; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, William Wigglesworth Sr. and James Harvey Wigglesworth; and sister, Vivian Sheffield (Bob); along with numerous nieces and nephews that he adored.

He was preceded in death by: his son, Donald Lee Wigglesworth Sr.; sisters, Fae Warren and Johnell Wigglesworth; and parents, John Wigglesworth and Bessie Wigglesworth.

Joe’s legacy of kindness and commitment will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.