James E. Wignall, Jr.

James “Eddie” Wignall, Jr., passed away suddenly at home on April 11, 2026, in Lusby, MD. He was born on August 15, 1942, in Washington, DC, grew up in Prince George’s County, and spent most of his adult life in Southern Maryland—rarely far from the water he loved.

Eddie devoted much of his career to Prince George’s County Public Schools. He worked his way up from the ground level, earning his master plumber’s license and becoming foreman of the plumbing shop. He went on to finish his career as a construction plan reviewer and inspector for the New Construction Department, specializing in plumbing and mechanical systems, where he earned the respect and enduring friendship of those he worked alongside. Even outside of work, he stayed busy, always keeping a small side business going. He took great pride in his work and retired after many years of dedicated service.

He lived by the principles of hard work and never doing anything half-way, teaching his children the importance of self-reliance and making their way through effort and determination. His passions were simple: family, being by the water, fast cars, and even faster boats. Yet, he was equally at home on his pier, finding a simple peace in pulling up a bushel of crabs from his traps or casting a line. He rarely sat still, always puttering around the house and finding something to do. After many years as a widower, he was thankful to find love later in life with Sandy.

Eddie is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra (Shearer) Wignall; his children, Joanne (Donald) Bullock, Cindy Drummond, Bonnie (Gary) Jackson, and Robert (Kristin) Ridgeway; 12 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Through his marriage to Sandra he is survived by Steven (Sandy) Shearer, Michael Shearer, and Susan Young, along with 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom he also enjoyed. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Ruby Grasso of Florida; his brother Bill (Charlotte) Wignall of North Carolina; as well as a niece and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Campbell, his son-in-law Christopher Drummond (husband of Cindy), granddaughter Katherine Riley Drummond, and his late wife Evelyn Wignall.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Lee Funeral Home Calvert 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 followed by a brief service at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eddie's name to Make a Donation - The Chesapeake Bay Foundation https://secure.cbf.org/site/Donation