Donald C Briggs

Donald “Don/Donnie” Carl Briggs, age 92, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. Donnie was born in Louisville on January 29, 1934, to Ray Briggs and Hilda Rief Wathen. A hard-working, devoted, and thoughtful man, Donnie will be remembered for the steady way he lived, the care he showed to others, and the quiet strength that marked his days.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary F. Goodhue Briggs; brother, Ray “BTL” Briggs; brother-in law, Clark Rankin; nephew, Buddy Briggs; niece, Vickie Lynn and husband Paul Hirsbrunner; niece, Michele Briggs; niece-in-law, Jana Kixmiller Rankin.

Donnie did not have a formal education however, he excelled in life experiences and in his careers. In his late teens and twenties, he held many part-time positions, including what he considered one of his most interesting roles as a deckhand on a tow boat that traveled from Louisville to Pennsylvania through the Ohio River.

He was employed by Instantwhip of Kentucky for nearly 30 years in sales and transport, driving dairy products throughout Louisville and Lexington. After retiring, Donnie worked with Simco Company on the assembly line making converter belts. It was there that he learned the trades of welding and painting and earned his Journeyman license. With those skills, he was able to contract work out to local companies. True to his hard-working nature, Donnie never missed a day of work, even if he had a headache from the night before activities. He was known to patronize the R&B Cafe Tavern, (the neighborhood watering hole) or as the local called it (The Joint). His hangout was the source of gossip, local news, good eating and the occasional game of Pool, which he enjoyed till the closing in the late 80's.

Donnie was a lifetime member of Fern Creek Sportsman Club, where he practiced trap and skeet shooting several times a week. On occasion, he achieved a perfect score of “100 Consecutive Shots,” winning numerous awards and trophies. He also enjoyed the Jefferson County Sportsman Club and many outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, horseshoe, and cornhole. You name it, he did it. Always adventurous, in his late 70’s he went parasailing in Florida.

In 2023, Donnie became a resident of Springs at Stony Brook, which he considered a home away from home. He thought of his caregivers as family alongside his dearest friends who joined in with their activities. Everyone liked him. His thoughtful concern for others was evident, and staff made it a point to step in and check on him. After each meal, Donnie would rest his eyes for a little while.

Donnie is survived by his sister, Betty “Terri” Rankin; nephew, Greg Rankin; niece, Renea Briggs; great nephews, Nathan Moloney and Chris (Allie) Hirsbrunner; great nieces, Ashlan (Matt) Briggs and Cortney (Jamie) Grimes; great-great nieces and nephews, Riley, Jase Terry, Lucas, Landry, Briggs Grimes, Jackson, Blair, Charlotte Hirsbrunner; and his partner, Linda Issing.

Funeral service will be 4pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218. Private Burial.

Visitation will be 2-4pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven.

Contributions may be made to the Kentucky Humane Society, 1000 Lyndon Lane Louisville, KY 40222.

https://www.kyhumane.org/