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If flipping a switch easily lights up your room, there is a good chance Raymond Wiggins had something to do with it — if you are a Southern Pine Electric Cooperative member.
Wiggins was honored Jan. 11 during a big send off by Southern Pine employees as he entered the world of retirement after 38 years on the job.
Wiggins began working at Southern Pine in the warehouse overseeing purchasing and receiving for the Cooperative.
“Since then, I’ve done a lot of things to make sure everything is in order,” Wiggins said. “I’ve been a meter technician, over the building and grounds, manager of safety and environmental and OSHA compliance, so many different things over the years.”
Even with all the responsibilities of making sure rules and regulations are met in a variety of areas, Wiggins said his time at SPEC has been a blessing and he let employees on hand for the celebration in on his secret.
“Your future is in your hands,” Wiggins told his fellow employees. “The co-op has been good to me and my family. If you give it all you’ve got, you can make your own way here.”
Wiggins said his time at SPEC has been good and one he grew to appreciate over the years.
“I have loved every minute of it,” Wiggins said. “I didn’t mind new work. I was always eager to learn and worked my way up. The co-op rewarded me for that. It’s a good place to work and a good place for everybody who works here. Southern Pine has been a blessing in my life.”
SPEC General Manger Vince Johnson spoke about Wiggins’ time at the co-op offering a sincere thanks for his time serving the members.
“I first met Raymond 29 years ago when I came to Southern Pine,” Johnson said. “We have had a lot of good times and he has been a valuable asset to us. He would take care of our guys who would go off to assist with hurricane recovery and every time he went I knew I didn’t have anything to worry about. When you were taking care of our guys it gave me peace of mind. I appreciate everything you’ve done in your 35 years of service with Southern Pine.”
Although Wiggins may not be a day-to-day fixture at the Southern Pine offices, he does plan to stay in touch with the people he calls family.
“The people here are family to me,” Wiggins said. “I have enjoyed working with them and plan to keep in touch.”
Wiggins said his plan to continue to serve people is still a big part of his retirement plan.
“I love serving people and that isn’t going to change,” Wiggins said. “I plan to continue in my position on the Escambia County Commission and serve in the capacity that I hold there.”
Wiggins isn’t only going to be working for the people of the county, he’s going to be working at spending more time with his family.
“Charlene and I have six grandchildren,” Wiggins said. “I want to be able to spend more time with them and maybe do a little traveling. I want to spend some quality time with my whole family and grow closer to the Lord.”
Wiggins currently serves as the chairman of the Escambia County Commission and Commissioner for District 2. He plans to continue serving the citizens of the county in that capacity.