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On August 24, 2023, Joel Arnold Briggs went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a long illness.
Left to wait for Jesus’ return is his wife, Ina Briggs; daughter, Christie Grube, son-in-law, Brian Grube, both of Wake Forest, N.C.; precious granddaughters, Grace and Olivia Grube of Wake Forest, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Carol Briggs of Damascus, Md.; sisters-in-law, Barbara Mick of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Pat and Guy DiFranco of Rock Hill, S.C.; and special nieces, Ruth Mooney of Jonesborough, Tenn., Tonya Milam of Johnson City, Tenn., and Remi Flaherty of Rock Hill, S.C.
Joel was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Briggs; parents, Clate Briggs Sr. and Hulda Briggs; brothers, Clate Briggs Jr. and Jerald Briggs; parents-in-law, John and Lillie May; and brothers-in-law, Billy May and Robert Mick.
Joel was in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959. He was employed by the FBI Administration Division in Washington DC from 1960-1995. He received many awards and met lots of interesting people throughout his career.
After retirement Joel and Ina returned to their hometown of Elizabethton. He worked for both Johnson City Medical Center and Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City. Joel and Ina fulfilled their dream of traveling extensively throughout the USA, especially enjoying visiting National Parks all across the country.
Joel was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church, Elizabethton, and in Darrell White’s Sunday School Class. Joel was in the Sunday School Class who placed the three crosses on Lynn Mountain. Joel was immensely proud of his Cat Island heritage and often spoke of the closeness of the neighborhood. Fly Fishing with his Dad and brother was a favorite sport and cherished memory.
There will be an open visitation from 9 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, August 30, at Tetrick Funeral Home. The committal service will be held at 2 p.m. in the Grindstaff Combs Cemetery with Mr. Chuck Milam officiating. Those that would like to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. to go in procession. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family would like to recognize Rodney Bailey as an honorary pallbearer. A heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice. Thank you Grace for your comforting support. Thank you for all the prayers from our EFFW friends.
An old gospel song sings, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” One day, if you know him, Jesus himself will welcome you home. Words of comfort can be sent to the Briggs family through our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 542-2232, is honored to serve the family of Joel Briggs.