Carl Edward Briggs, Sr., was born in Beaumont, Texas, the third of ten sons of the late Rufus, Sr., and Alma Briggs.
After graduating with honors from Hebert High School in 1954, he received his Bachelor's and Master's of Arts Degrees in Education from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. His illustrious teaching career began in 1958 with an assignment to West Oakland Elementary School, where he taught for two years before answering his country’s call to patriotism. Carl served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962, and upon his return from active duty, was assigned as a teacher to Blanchette Elementary School.
Carl’s assignments were a pathway to success. In 1977, Carl was assigned as a teacher to Odom Middle School. During his tenure at Odom Middle School, he was also acting assistant principal. In 1980, he was assigned as assistant principal to MacArthur Middle School, and remained in that position during the name change from MacArthur Middle School to South Park Middle School. His tenure at South Park Middle School continued for 16 years. Carl belonged to many professional organizations: The Texas Association of Secondary Principals, the National Education Association, the Texas State Teachers Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Beaumont Educational Association. He retired from the Beaumont Independent School District in 1996 after 38 years of service.
Carl was a football and track coach affiliated with the coaching staff of Vincent Middle School and Hebert High School. He was a member of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Southwest Football Officials Association (SFOA) and enthusiastically officiated football and basketball games. In 1990, Carl was selected as a tournament official at the Southwestern Athletic Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Carl supported many communities, schools, and national volunteer programs. His main focus was volunteering with economically disadvantaged youth in the surrounding communities. Carl has been affiliated with Hebert High School Mass Reunion since 1986 and served for 6 years as treasurer.
Carl was married to the late Eleanor June Welton Briggs for a loving and devoted 46 years. He was the proud father of two sons, Michael Briggs and Carl “Peewee” Briggs, Jr. He was a Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church member for over 30 years. Carl founded the Eleanor J. Briggs Memorial Scholarship and generously donated to Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. His accomplishments have been exemplary throughout his personal and professional life.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Carl transitioned from earthly labor to heavenly reward. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Lorest “Leo” Briggs, Sr., Rufus Briggs, Jr., Billy R. Briggs, Charles H. Briggs, and Kenneth H. Briggs, Sr.
He is survived by his sons, Michael "Mike" Briggs and Carl “Peewee” Briggs, Jr., his brothers, Floyd Briggs, Sr., Melvin Briggs, Bishop Kehinde Briggs (Tiombe), and Tommy J. Briggs (Edna Jean), and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
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