William Doyle Briggs "Bill"

Published in Fresno Bee on December 19, 2009

William "Bill" Doyle Briggs was born on August 12, 1921, in Norman, Arkansas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 14, 2009.

He was the second of six children born to William and Mary Briggs. Bill was a graduate of Clovis High School where he played on the baseball and basketball teams. After he graduated in 1941, Bill played for the Fresno Cardinal St. Louis professional baseball team.

In the same year, WWII broke out and Bill joined the United States Marine Corps. During this time he met his wife, Millicent Gunter. They wed on June, 2 1946, and were faithfully by each others' side for 61 years. Millie passed away in August, 2007.

After Bill served in the Marines, he and Millie decided to make a home in Fresno where they raised their two children, Bill and Carol Ann. Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was in the Marine Corps Reserves.

In 1950, he was called back into active duty during the Korean War. He then returned to the Postal Service. His last position was as superintendent of the Cardwell Station. After retiring, he worked for Century 21 Real Estate.

Bill loved spending time with family and friends and was a member of The People's Church. Bill was involved with various dance groups, acted as Master of Center Lodge No. 465 of Free and Accepted Masons, and was a part of the Fresno State Dugout Club. Bill was a Christian and loved to sing hymns.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife on vacations, tending to his gardens, and took pleasure in going to Fresno State baseball games.

He will be remembered as a loving spouse, a protective father, a grandfather who never missed a game or performance, a dependable friend, and a person who had a good sense of humor.

He is survived by his two children, Dr. Bill Briggs and his wife Michele, and Carol Ann Graham and her husband David; two grandchildren, Trevor Graham and his wife Sarah, and Kimberly McKinnis and her husband Doug; two great-grandchildren, Dougie, and Carol Joy McKinnis; brother, Floyd and his wife Velma; sister, Marydell Quist and her husband Al; sister-in-law, June Meserve and her husband Bob; and his special niece Judy who brightened his days with extra love and care.

Visitation was held at Yost and Webb Funeral Home on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Yost and Webb Funeral Home on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.

Interment Graveside service immediately following at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

YOST & WEBB FUNERAL HOME 1002 ' T ' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)237-4148 www.YostandWebb.com