Charles W Briggs

Charles W. Briggs 99, died October 23, 2015.

Charlie was born in Atlanta, GA, October 22, 1916 to Stephen W. and Mary Luna Murphy Briggs. After graduation from High School, he went to work at the Goodrich as a ply boy in the tire room. When his father died, Charlie became head of the family.

In 1938 his sister and her 5 year old daughter, Pat, came to live with Charlie. He married Dorothy Stevic in 1947; it was love at first sight. They raised Pat and had the privilege of walking her down the aisle when she married John Snead. Charlie was a loving husband to Dorothy for 64 years, and a loving father to Pat Snead, her husband, John and their son, John Snead II "Jay".

In 1941 Charlie volunteered for the draft. He was turned down because of ulcers. In 1942, he began his career in the Akron Fire Department. A few years later, he became a Lieutenant and then a Captain. All the fireman who worked with him and for him became like his family. He was active in the union. At that time, firefighters worked 63 hours a week. Charlie and three other fireman called other Fire Departments in the States and found how they worked 56 hours a week. They went to the Mayor and Council and it was approved.

He was a dedicated hiker whose love for hiking and nature led him to hike all of the counties in Ohio, all of the states, the Appalachian Trial, and even some countries in Europe. He was a friend of all animals in need of loving hands. He worked with animal rescue groups as well as the animals he rescued. He was a member of the Akron and Cleveland Hiking Clubs, Adoniram Lodge #517 F&AM, Summit County Historical Society, and the Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio.

After moving into Rockynol, Dorothy died in 2011. The people at Rockynol were very fond of Charlie. They will miss him.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 2 P.M. WEDNESDAY, November18th, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Elizabeth Hadler officiating, and will include The Last Alarm ceremony. Inurnment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Akron, 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)