William Harrison Briggs

William Harrison "Bill" Briggs, 87, of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2025. Bill was born on July 1, 1937, in Asheville to Madelyn Kenny and Dr. Henry Harrison Briggs, Jr.
Bill graduated from Christ School in 1955 and studied electrical engineering at Lehigh University, where he was on the swim team and a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. He graduated from Lehigh in 1960, enlisted in the US Army, and served in the Reserves for six years. In September 1962, he began his career with IBM and moved to Atlanta, GA where he worked for 31 years.
An avid snow skier, Bill met Sandy Burns through the Atlanta Ski Club. Both were members of the Young Republicans in Atlanta, of which he was president. They married in December 1967, and shortly after, moved to Milan, Italy for 18 months with IBM. Bill and Sandy were blessed with three, fun-loving children. He coached his kids' soccer teams and was active with their Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. Additionally, he loved sailing and spent many weekends on Lake Lanier, GA. He received his EMBA from Georgia State University in 1987.
Over the years, Bill and Sandy enjoyed hiking together and travelled to 44 countries and to all seven continents. Curious by nature, he had many diverse interests. Bill retired from IBM in 1993 and life kicked into high gear. He took up golf, fly fishing and learned to play the piano. He engaged in painting, drawing and pottery. He became a proficient wood turner and created many beautiful pieces. Throughout his life, Bill loved photography, a hobby he learned from his father. He was also an accomplished skeet shooter in his younger days.
Bill and Sandy moved to Brevard full time in 2010. Devoted to his community, Bill held many volunteer positions. He was a member and president of the Brevard Lions Club. He served as president of their HOA boards in both Atlanta and Brevard. He was co-founder of Friends of Transylvania Animal Shelter and spearheaded the building of its new facility in 2013.
He was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of St. Philip's, where he was an usher and served on the Vestry. He founded and headed the Art of the Mountains fundraiser at St. Philip's for six years.
Affable and warm-hearted, Bill's love, humor, kindness and knowledge will be dearly missed.
Bill is predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Susan Strickland and Debbie Lynch. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his three children, Derek, Monique Rigsby (Heath), and Forrest; and his six grandchildren, Chelsea, Kendall, Colin, Nathan, Evelyn and Vivian.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on March 1, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of St. Philip's in Brevard. Contributions in his memory are appreciated and may be made to two organizations he strongly supported: Augustine Literacy, P.O. Box 305, Brevard, NC 28712 or St. Philip's Foundation, 256 East Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
Moody Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.