Billy Joe Briggs

Billy Joe Briggs, 77, of New Holland, died Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 12:35 p.m. at St. Catherine's Manor of Washington Court House where he had been residing since July 31, 2014.

Billy was born December 1, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio to Betsy Briggs Metzger. He was reared by his grandfather, Strawder Briggs, great aunt, Lillie Briggs and aunt, Wilma McCune, all of whom preceded him in death. He was a lifelong resident of the New Holland community where he attended New Holland schools and was a member of the New Holland Church of Christ.

Before his retirement in 1995, he had served 22 years as a mechanic for the Miami Trace Local School District. In his early adult life he had farmed and also had worked at LeElla Lanes in Washington Court House.

In his spare time, Billy enjoyed playing his harmonica and guitar. Although he never learned how to read music, Billy had the unique ability to listen to a song and be able to play it on his instrument. He was always fascinated with learning what made things operate and was always tinkering with anything that had an engine. He was truly a gentle soul and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. He especially enjoyed assisting Madeline Wolfe with her farm and donkeys. He will be greatly missed by his family and unnumbered friends.

He is survived by his wife, the former (Elizabeth) Ann Smith, whom he married May 12, 1973; two sons, Robert "Bobby" Briggs of New Holland and Joseph "Joe" Briggs and his wife, Debra, of Lawtey, FL; a granddaughter, Rachael (Greg Foster) Briggs-Foster of Washington Court House; two great grandchildren, Addylynn and Layton Foster and special cousins, William and Theresa McCune, Janey and David Sprouse and Pam Preston and their families.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the New Holland Church of Christ with Richard A. Matthews, minister at the church, officiating. Cremation will follow the service and burial of the cremains will be at a later date in the New Holland Cemetery.

A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Fayette County, Inc., 222 North Oakland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com