Obituary of John Byron Briggs

The angles in heaven rejoiced late Friday evening when John Byron Briggs stepped out of time and into eternity with the Lord.  John was born September 14, 1967 in Nashville, Tennessee to William and Carolyn C. Briggs. He was born eleven (11) minutes before his twin brother, Roy was born.  John was a kindhearted person, humorous; and was gifted with a sweet spirit which charmed everyone that he met.

John began his early education in the Nashville public schools system.  Beginning first grade at Glendale Elementary School, he made many friends, which have endured to this day.  Later, he attended John Trotwood Moore Middle School and then John Overton High School.  At Overton, he was a member of the track and wrestling teams.  Also, during this time, John found his musical passion in playing both the trumpet and piano.

After graduation he attended East Tennessee State University for a year, then transferred to Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, and finally at Tennessee State University.

It was at Tennessee State that he became an avid reader and developed an appreciation in literature which emphasized multi-ethnic writers.  In 1990 he enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard and became a load master. It was during this time that John found his calling-dedication to serving his country.  His tours of duty carried him to place in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Puerto Rico to name only a few.

Due to outstanding work and service beyond the call of duty, John received his Senior Master Sergeant stripes which he proudly displayed.  In July 2011 he received his Associates degree in Applied Science Aviation Operations.  In 1975, John along with his brothers and parents united with Greater Bethel AME Church.  He loved the church especially the 8 A.M. worship service.  His mother seeing his depth of love for God and the church offered to send him to seminary school.  While overseas he met the love of his life and was united in Holy Matrimony with Bella Delgaldo Margarita of Panama City, Panama on January 8, 2001.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Bella Briggs; son, Jonathan; parents, William T. Briggs and Dr. Carolyn Craig Briggs of Nashville, TN; brothers, Roy Myron Briggs of Chicago, IL and William T. Briggs, Jr. (Madeleine) of Bordentown, New Jersey; and a host of adoring cousins, aunts and uncles, church family, and other friends of the Air National Guard family.

In addition is Scotch, his dog and fiend.  Scotch was with him during his last earthly hours.  They were great pals and loved one another dearly.