Paul Thomas Wiggins, 71, of New Boston, Texas, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024. Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vicki, his two children, Joshua (wife – Rendi) and Jarrod (wife – Claudia), his four grandchildren, Sanders & Jack Henry and Stetson & Sadie, his sister Joan, and many other family members who he dearly loved.

Paul was born in Texarkana, Texas on February 10, 1952, to George and Christine Wiggins. He graduated from Texas High School in 1970. He then attended Texarkana College and completed optometry school at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

In 1976, Paul married the love of his life, Vicki Hodgkins, and settled in Texarkana, Texas. In 1980, they moved to New Boston, Texas for Paul to open his optometry practice. He spent the next 40 years loving and caring for the people of New Boston and the surrounding communities.

Paul’s foundation for all that he did came from his faith and deep personal relationship with Jesus. In profound ways he truly modeled the attributes of his Savior. He was humble, loving, kind, and generous and never wanted attention or to be recognized. He had a true servant’s heart and was always willing to give of himself to anyone in need. He would be truly shocked at the outpouring of love and support for him from his beloved community.

He cherished his roles as husband, father, and grandfather above all. He loved his wife, Vicki, as Christ loved the church and prioritized her all his life. He poured into his two sons and their wives and was incredibly proud of the families they built. He taught his sons how to love sacrificially and was a constant example of how to actually walk as a Christian. His favorite title for himself was that of “Papa” to his four grandchildren. He would spend hours listening to them, teaching them how to fry fish, teaching them how to woodwork, or just pulling them in a sleigh through the snow in his beloved New Mexico mountains.

Paul loved spending time with family or friends and had an incredible gift for being truly present with whomever he was around. He opened his home and table to all that he knew, and frying and serving catfish dinners can only be described as a spiritual gift.

Paul will be celebrated at a visitation at First Baptist Church New Boston, Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church New Boston, Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11 am.

If you feel moved to make a donation, the family requests that you make it to the music program at First Baptist Church New Boston.

Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.