Retired firefighter to lead Mount Olive parade

MOUNT OLIVE — For longtime firefighter Greg Wiggins, Mount Olive has always been home and now, after nearly five decades of service to the community, the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is honoring him as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.

“We are honored to recognize Greg for his longtime commitment to the fire service and to our community,” said Julie Beck, Mount Olive Chamber president. “His commitment to making our community a great place to live, work and play is commendable, and that is why he was named this year’s Grand Marshal.”

Wiggins’ connection to Mount Olive began when he moved here as a child. After spending a year abroad in Iran due to his father’s military service, he returned home and graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1974. From there, Mount Olive became the place where he would build a career of decades of service.

Wiggins recently retired following 47 years in fire service, including 41 years with the Mount Olive Fire Department. His dedication earned him some of the state’s most respected honors at his retirement celebration—the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a Town of Mount Olive Proclamation, and the Office of State Fire Marshal Lifetime Achievement Award.

Throughout his life, Wiggins poured his time into local organizations and the next generation, from coaching T-ball and Little League to serving with the Mount Olive Jaycees, leading the Southern Wayne FFA Alumni Chapter, and participating on the Town’s Board of Adjustments. As an active member of the Mount Olive Masonic Lodge since 1978, he twice served as Master, strengthening civic life for decades. At Calypso Baptist Church, he has been a steady presence, serving as a deacon, Sunday School Director, and member of the pastor search committee.