William Thomas Sigman, age 95, of Conyers, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, after an extended illness from pneumonia. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty one years, Miriam Dell Stanley. He is survived by his sons, William Thomas Sigman, Jr., and wife, Guadalupe H. Sigman of Fredericksburg, VA; David Patrick Sigman of Blairsville, GA; daughter, Carol Mills and her husband, Randy Mills of Conyers, GA; his grandchildren, Gretchen Sigman of San Diego, CA; Steven Mills of Los Angeles, CA; and Caroline Mills of Conyers, GA.

Mr. Sigman was born on November 17, 1915, in Social Circle, Georgia. He was the son of William Patrick Sigman and Annie Lee Granade Sigman. He was a resident of Conyers, GA for 75 years. He graduated from Emory University with a Business degree in 1940 and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Upsilon and Alpha Kappa Psi fraternities, Campus Club, and Eagles Club. He proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant and Captain in the United States Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. He was the liaison officer for the 83rd Mobile Training Unit in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and he instructed pilots on all aspects of the P-51 fighter aircraft. Mr. Sigman was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Last Men’s Club of WWII veterans. Mr. Sigman met his future wife, Miriam Stanley at Robbins Air Force Base in Warner Robbins, Georgia, and they were married in 1945.

Mr. Sigman founded Sigman-Mills Furniture in 1951 with an ambitious dream and a borrowed truck. His wife, Miriam, was an important part of the inception of the business. The successful business, now known as Sigman-Mills Furniture Galleries, is one of the oldest retail businesses still operating in Conyers, GA. He was an active member of the Georgia Home Furnishings Association serving as a director for 20 years. He was a member of the Philologia Masonic Lodge #178 and was awarded a 60 year apron and pin in 2010. Mr. Sigman was actively involved in the community he loved. His family heritage dated to the early pioneer days of Rockdale County. His maternal descendants, the Granade family, were some of the first settlers in the area in 1840. He was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Conyers for 65 years where he served in many capacities including Church Clerk for 33 years; deacon for 56 years, life deacon for 26 years; charter member of the Men’s Keystone Sunday School Class and XYZ Club. He served on various community and governmental committees and boards including the 1st SPLOST committee, 1996 Olympic Committee, Rockdale County Tax Equalization Board, Clean and Beautiful Commission. He was recognized with numerous awards of achievement for his many years of dedication and service.

Mr. Sigman was known for his famous quotes and shared stories with longtime friends and new acquaintances alike. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed preserving local history. His favorite outings were traveling anywhere with his wife and attending his grandchildren’s ballgames and school programs.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Conyers, Georgia with the Rev. Howard Greer, Dr. Jeff Myers, and Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating. Interment will follow at the Granade Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Scot Ward Funeral Services, Conyers. Contributions may be made to the Children’s Development Center, First Baptist Church of Conyers, 2100 Highway 138 NE, Conyers, GA 30013. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.