William E. ìBillî Briggs, 77, of Flat Rock, NC, died Sunday morning, February 8, 2009 of melanoma cancer.
Born in Asheville, NC, August 4, 1931, he was the son of the late Clyde Nathaniel Briggs and Cora Belle Beachboard Briggs. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Cecil C. Briggs.
He graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1948, Mars Hill Junior College in 1950, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1952, with a BBA degree in accounting. He subsequently served in the US Army for two years, being honorably discharged in 1954.
The ultimate purpose in Billís life came from his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ whom he trusted as his Savior early in life. Often, when referring to the much blessed life he had experienced, he would add ìto God be the Glory.î
His professional life included thirty years with the IBM Corporation, principally in finance and internal audit, a career he enjoyed, found challenging, interesting, and personally gratifying.
After retiring ìback to his rootsî in 1987, he and his wife enjoyed leisure activities as well as church and community involvement. He was active at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, where he served on various committees and as treasurer for over six years.
Among the many delights of his retirement years was his nineteen-year association with the doctors and their staffs, both past and present, of Carolina Ophthalmology. His role in supporting their efforts in providing the best eye care to the patients of WNC gave him a personal sense of satisfaction.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Daphne Briggs of Flat Rock; his son, David and wife, Jennifer, and his twin grandchildren, Katie and Kyle Briggs, all of Brentwood, TN; and his sister-in-law, Frances C. Briggs of Arden.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville with the Reverend Wally Shamburger officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CrossWalk Youth Center c/o First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, 312 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.
Jack and Pat Gallagher posted on 2/10/09
We just found out about Bills death and we prayed for you and your family at this time and praise the Lord for he has just received a wonderful man into Heaven.May God Bless you and give you a peace that passes all understanding. Jack and Pat Gallagher
Stuart and Donielle Hawley posted on 2/9/09
Our prayers are with you. I have shared many fun memories of my times with Dave in high school with my wife most of which make us laugh and have many fond memories of Mr. & Mrs. Briggs. Sending lots of love from Connecticut.
Bill & Janet Hodges Stakias from Florida posted on 2/11/09
We both graduated with Bill (Ed, as he was called at Lee Edwards High School) and were happy to renew our association when he and Daphne came to Hendersonville and First Baptist Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Daphne, and your family. May you feel God's presence and comfort.
Les & Paige Boyd posted on 2/9/09
Daphne - we are thinking of you and your family. We were so sorry to hear the news, we continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Paige, Les & Campbell
Dick Dodge posted on 2/12/09
Dear Daphne and David, I know that it has all been said before about Bill but I would like to say it again. Bill was one of the most wonderful people that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was an inspiration to all of us and will be sorely missed. Take heart in knowing that Bill is with Jesus. I can see his sweet smile right now as I think about it. The two of you and the rest of your family will remain in Gail and my prayers, praying for strength and the peace of the Lord. BlessingsÖDick & Gail
Murray Small posted on 2/9/09
Mrs. Briggs, Dave and Family... Just want you to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all of Daves' work family in Virginia.
Paul & Joyce Travis posted on 2/12/09
Dear Daphne and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was a choice person that will be greatly missed. We prize every minute that we had fellowship with him.
Martha Glass Cribbs posted on 2/8/09
Dear Daphne and David, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Much love, Martha
Juanita & James Hamblen posted on 2/9/09
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you and your family during this period of tremendous loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Phyllis Boozer posted on 2/12/09
Daphne and David, I was so saddened to hear of Bill's death. I have such fond memories of your days at Wilton Baptist Church. In fact, I was just reminiscing with some former members recently and remembering "the good old days". You are in my prayers. Phyllis Boozer
Charles L. Glass posted on 2/8/09
Daphne & David, I was very sorry to hear of Bill's passing and know that you will miss him very much. Hopefully you will find solace in knowing he is in a much better place with our dear Lord and Saviour and that one day we will see him again.PLease know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Sincerely, Charles
Linda Mason & family posted on 2/9/09
My sincere condolences to the Briggs Family during this very difficult time. May you find comfort knowing that he has found eternal peace with his Savior.
Beth Vaniel-Wood posted on 2/12/09
Daphne, Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of my time in Wilton and at Wilton Baptist Church, and so many of those memories surround my time with your family. Bill was such a special man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Beth
Steve & Sandy Briggs posted on 2/8/09
Daphne & family, Its a sad day but we rejoice in knowing there is no doubt that Bill is home with his Lord and Savior. You will be in our prayers.
Maria Reale Hare posted on 2/9/09
I worked with Bill for 17 years and he was so kind and loving. At times alomost a father figure to me. He also helped guide me with making some very important decisions in my life. His impact on me personally will always be remembered with love and kindness. May God bless your family at this time. Maria
June Beddingfield posted on 2/19/09
I just heard of Bill's passing and along with many others...I am saddened and rejoicing that he is in a better place. I had the opportunity to know and work with Bill for 7 years and to say he was a blessing and inspiration to me is almost too little to acknowledge. Bill Briggs was a 'true gentleman' in every sense of the word. My life has remained richer for having known him. May God shower you with grace and mercy during this time. Prayers & Blessings... June Beddingfield
Bill and Lea Montgomery posted on 2/8/09
Our deepest sympathy to Daphne, Dave and family for your loss of Bill. We are grieving also. Bill was a friend of many years. We will continue our prayers for Daphne and the family. Bill and Lea Montgomery
Bill and Donna Brennan posted on 2/9/09
It has been a privilege and a blessing to know Bill and Daphne through our church relationship. Bill, hit them long and straight!
Brian and Beryl Ibbotson posted on 2/20/09
Dear Daphne, We were sorry to hear of Bill's passing from David. We want you to know of our happy memories we have of living close to you in Glenview. Do you remember the first time we met? You were walking out of Cunliff Park with David in a pushchair and I was taking Bill to fly his kite. It was a brisk April day, perfect for flying kites. And beginning a lovely friendship. You were so kind to our parents when they came over in 1969 and 1970 and they remembered you as the supreme baker of blueberry pies and Bill as the absolute gentleman! He was such a gracious host. Then with all the transfers, we lost touch and were so pleased to hear from you a couple of years ago and know you were in Hendersonville, and that we were able to get together with you on our way to Asheville! Such a coincidence! Thank you for tracking us down. This must be a very sad time for you and our thoughts are with you and David. You had a wonderful husband and your happy memories will help you through the sadness of his passing. We hope to come to Asheville again later this year and would love to meet up with you again. If you come to Chicago, please let us know. In the meantime, take good care. Fondly, Brian and Beryl Ibbotson
Richard & Rosemarie Cunningham posted on 2/8/09
Dear Daphne and David and Family, We are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend Bill. He was always a kind, generous, loving and giving friend whom we will always remember. It has been a real blessing having both of you as neighbors. We know that Bill is with Our Dear Lord and Savior enjoying the home the Lord has prepared for him. We pray for you, Daphne, for strength during these difficult times. Much love. Richard and Rosemarie
Thomas C. & Marilove Kilcrease posted on 2/9/09
Our best wishes and prayers are with the family
Perry & Carol Ripple posted on 2/22/09
Dear Daphne, we were so sorry to hear about Bill. You both have always been such an inspiration and so dear to us and so many people. Our deepest sympathy and love are extended to you, your family and your many friends.
Derek and Andree Knell posted on 2/9/09
Our Dear Aunt Da, David and Jennifer, It is with sadness that we recieve the news of the passing on of Bill, but it is with joy for him that he is now in the presence of the Lord whom he loved and served. May the Lord Himself minister peace into your lives at this time and may He fill the void that Bill left behind with His own presence. We have vivid memories of our visit with you in the summer of 1998 and our time in your summer house and on the lake where the family enjoyed water skiing. We recognize that the days ahead will be hard for you Aunt Da but it is awesome that you have 46 wonderful years to look back on and celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness to you both. May the Lord surround you with His arms of love and envelope with His peace. Someone wrote to me recently following the passing of my mother in December 2008 and said: Yesterday's Influence Today's Memories Tomorrow's Reunion Those of us who trust the Lord can rejoice at every turn, the influence, the moemories and the looking forward to our reunion in His glory. May this be your experience. We love you lots
Mike & Tina Rizzi & Family posted on 2/9/09
Mrs. Briggs, Dave, Jenny & Family: We are so sorry to hear the sad news. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to spend some time with your family. Mr. Briggs was always so welcoming. Though he will be tremendously missed, what wonderful memories of this great Christian man, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather you will all carry with you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tina Rizzi and Family
Norman Webb posted on 2/9/09
Daphne You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Norman and Anne
Lee and Colette Cort posted on 2/9/09
Daphne, Dave, Jennifer, Katie and Kyle, How privilaged we have been to have known Bill over almost 40 years! He was so encouraging in our early Christian walk (as Daphne was too)and a very positive influence in Lee's walk with the Lord. We have spent many hours of fellowship both in Chicago, in CA and in enjoying your hospitality in Hendersonville. Always a gentleman and a gentle man, I know he will be very missed by his family and the community. You have our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor.2:9. Bill is enjoying all of that now! We love you and are praying for you. Lee and Colette
Tom FitzGerald posted on 2/9/09
My sympathies and condolences to you. With Bill's passing, part of my life has also passed. I worked for Bill for several years and more than once. But I knew him on the Audit Staff for far longer. He was a good man, insistent about what he wanted, diligent in ushering it to fruition, and complementary about good results. I will be unable to attend the service, but my thoughts are with you as you send him on his way. Tom
DICK AND IMOGENE posted on 2/9/09
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HAVE LOST BILL. A GREAT MAN IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY ABOUT HIM. WE BOTH WILL TRULY MISS HIS SMILING FACE...
John M. Williams posted on 2/9/09
Daphne and Family- I had the privilege of working with Bill for 4 years at Carolina Ophthalmology. I remember how much of a mentor he was to me. He always had a business like approach to problems and a calm demeanor. I will never forget Bill. Many people in your life come and go. Some you remember; most you forget or donít think about. A rare few make a positive impact upon your life. Bill was one of the rare few for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melonie Harris posted on 2/9/09
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. We have many memories of our times at the lake. We rejoice that he is no longer suffering and that he is with the Lord.
Barbara Price posted on 2/9/09
Bill was a fine gentleman and I always envied him for his strong faith in the Lord. I will always remember him with a twinkle in his eyes every time he smiled. Go in Peace, Bill.
Donna Crawford posted on 2/10/09
Daphne, I have to miss the service this afternoon. Kenmure has an event each June to raise funds to fight cancer. I am chair of a sub-committee and have a previously scheduled meeting for that this afternoon. Bill was a well-liked gentleman. It was an honor to know him and am glad for the wonderful years you had with him. Blessings and prayers, Donna Crawford
Doug DiVirgilio, SE Division posted on 2/9/09
Mrs. Briggs, Dave & family: Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and strength in God's loving grace.
Allen & Lynnette Raines posted on 2/10/09
We are saddened for your loss and the loss of our Church. Bill was always such a sweet addition to the halls at First Baptist. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Briggs family.
Michael & Lisa Edney posted on 2/9/09
Daphne & family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill was such a gentleman and always had a smile on his face. He will truely be missed. With Love, Lisa & Michael Edney
Terry Boyd posted on 2/10/09
Dear Daphne, It was with great sorrow that I learned of Bill's passing. I will always remember Bill as a true Southern Gentleman. He was insturmental in my successful carreer at IBM and I always thank him for accepting me into IBM's Corporate Internal Audit function. My wife, Janet, and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. [I am not quite sure though if Janet will ever forgive me for inviting Bill to join us on our honeymoon in northern Minnesota!]. With fond memories...Terry
“WOW! As far as I’m concerned, Shuler’s is an award winning facility with top notch people.”
BERNADETTE FOX posted on 2/9/09
Thank God for Mr. Briggs many contirbutions to the body of Christ. We will see you in Heaven.......