Jeffrey Ray Briggs

Jeffrey Ray “Jeff” Briggs, 62, returned to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Born in Dallas, North Carolina, Jeff was the son of the late Coy Ray Briggs and Patsy Wooten, who is still with us. Jeff was married to his beloved wife, Kim Tilley Briggs, for 43 wonderful years. 

He and Kim’s love was a fairy tale. It wasn’t love at first sight, but in the summer months of 1981, they fell deeply in love. Even the distance of his travels in the Air Force couldn’t weaken their bond. As soon as Kim finished nursing school they were married. God truly blessed this union. 

In his youth, Jeff was a multi-talented athlete, excelling in football, baseball, golf, and cross country. As a dedicated crew chief in the U.S. Air Force, he played a crucial role in operating and maintaining C-130 aircraft. Jeff often regaled us with stories of transporting everything from fallen soldiers to the president’s car. Throughout his career, Jeff dedicated himself to various roles in and around golf courses, most recently with SePRO Corporation. 

Jeff was an active and committed member of CityGate Church, serving as Co-Lead Usher and actively participating in the Guest Services Ministry Team. He also held a deacon position for many years at Central Assembly of God in Greensboro. Jeff had a servant’s heart. He mentored the fatherless and other children and youth within the church. He also coached recreational league soccer and basketball. Additionally, Jeff and his family actively participated in Sidewalk Sunday School, a program that provided spiritual support to low-income communities. 

Jeff was a devoted father, and he took great pride in his sons. His eldest son, Jeffrey, currently works as a Director of Care Coordination at Family Nursing Care. His youngest son, Jake, has dedicated himself to working in the television and film industries, as a Sound Technician and Actor. Jeff was overjoyed when Jake starred in the film “Be Still and Know,” and he was excited to visit Nashville for the premiere. 

Jeff, a gifted storyteller, always shared tales wherever he went. He could converse with anyone, anywhere, about any topic. In his later years, he found joy in sketching, crafts, and watercolor painting. One of his favorite pastimes was photoshopping amusing photos of family and friends. 

Jeff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. 

He is survived by his wife, Kim; sons, Jeff Briggs and his wife Sylvia, Jake Briggs; grandchildren, Miriam and Ezra; siblings, Dana Walters, Chris, Jason, Matthew, and Lindsey Wooten, Paige Dixon; mother and stepfather, Pat and Benny Wooten; stepmother, Delane Briggs; mother-in-law, Veronica Duck; sister-in-law, Deb Carter and her husband Bob; nieces and nephews, Angie, Patrick, Derek, Andy, Jordan, Alexis, Brae, Colvin, Madeleine, Cuyler, Brittney, and Michael. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Alma and Jake Rhyne, Guinn and Marty Briggs. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at CityGate Church, led by pastors Rich and Paula Fennelle. Friends are welcome to join the family from 12:00-1:45 p.m. before the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to CityGate Church, located at 2761 Longpine Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.