John Briggs

John Smith Briggs passed on to the next life on Monday, September 20, 2010. Born December 1, 1923, he entered a world where the cost of a stamp was $.02, TIME magazine hit newsstands for the first time, and the New York Yankees won the World Series - proving that while some things change, some things remain the same, a little like John's passion for golf and the good things in life. John was a man devoted to his country - he served in World War II as an airplane mechanic - his family, his passions - golf and good clothes, and his employer Mobil Oil Company which he worked for his entire career. He worked hard and played hard as those who knew him will attest. His life was simple and straightforward - "do the right thing," he would say, and he always did as he said. John was raised in Midlothian, married Dorothy Lohr from Waxahachie, and raised their daughter in Duncanville. John and Dorothy moved several times after their daughter graduated and married, but never too far from the Dallas area. They had fun and enjoyed their working life and their retirement. There was never a yard that wasn't greatly improved from them having lived there. Beyond golfing and working, John enjoyed mastering the kitchen. He made a mean beef stew, steak and Caesar salad with homemade croutons, and breakfast that would wake up even the latest sleeper with the delicious aroma. He was a thoughtful and fun father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He taught his grandchildren how to tie their shoes, drive their cars and be good people. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy, whom he cared for in the later years of his life as she battled Alzheimer's disease. John and Dorothy's daughter Rebecca moved to Waco in 2002 to care for her parents as they had done for her for so many years. John leaves behind Dorothy, Rebecca, granddaughter Starr Million Baker and husband James, and grandson Frank R. Million, III (Tres), as well as three great-granddaughters Noelle Million, and Georgia and Scarlett Baker. John, also known as Johnny, is survived by Jean Hilsher, sister-in-law and many adoring nieces and nephews. He was loved, and he will be missed. His family and friends will be celebrating his life on Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rebecca Million's house at 4501 Pine Ave., Waco, TX.