Ben Riggin Briggs went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 6th just one day shy of his 82nd birthday, surrounded by his loving family. Ben was born on August 7, 1936 in Wilmington, OH to the late Maynard “Shorty” and Myra (Riggin) Briggs. Ben always worked hard to provide for his family, which was evident by his 25 years of service at Kuhns Brothers in Dayton, OH. He spent the next 25 years working at Werner Supply Company in Middletown, OH until his retirement. After a brief time off, he could be seen driving a city cab for the Wilmington Transit System. This job suited him well as he was always up for a good story or joke and could be counted on for a huge smile and a kind word by all those he helped. He officially ended his working career in 2016. Ben was a Reservist in the U.S. National Guard, Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge 797, member of the Wilmington Lions Club, and was a member of the American Legion Post 49, where he proudly served on the Honor Guard. Ben enjoyed all things sports, from the Cincinnati Reds to the Morehead Eagles, but most especially the Wilmington Hurricanes. He loved nothing more than to cheer on his beloved grandchildren as they played for his alma mater. He had many hobbies and interests through the years including tennis, fishing, model trains, watching old Western movies, horse racing, mentoring those in need, and collecting bobblehead figurines. Ben would be the first to tell you that he never met a sweet that he didn’t love. An appreciation that most likely began at Linton Dairy where he worked as a young boy with his father making and sampling ice cream. Ben is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janie (Floyd) Briggs whom he married on March 18, 1956. The two met in the 8th grade and spent their high school years as the drum major and majorette for the Wilmington High School marching band. After graduating in 1954, he went on to attend Wilmington College. Ben is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Dennis) Simpson; his beloved children, Susan (John) Gray, Allan (Selena) Briggs and Maggie (Dave) Henry; Grandchildren, Caroline Fife (Joe Fasick), Elizabeth Nguyen (Hung), Anthony Fife (Lauren Shows), Jonathan Gray (Boom), Anna Gray, Matt Dennis (Carly), Joe Dennis, LaRae Law, Jason Law, Colt Briggs (Megan), Storm Briggs (Johnna), and Emily, Tyler, Brady, Parker and Reagan Henry; and his Great Grandchildren Oliver Fasick, Amelia and Lila Nguyen, Lucy Shows-Fife, Athena and Aries Briggs and Landon Dennis. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In remembrance of Ben, the family wishes to invite everyone to a luncheon, 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 120 Columbus Street, Wilmington. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. The family asks that memorial donations be made to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 120 Columbus Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. For more information or to sign our on-line register, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home.
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