R. Graydon Briggs

Briggs, Robert Graydon Grand Ledge, Michigan Graydon, age 88, our loving dad, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle and friend went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 10, 2023, after a brief illness. We rejoice that he was called home peacefully. Graydon was born on January 16, 1935 in Grand Ledge, Michigan, the son of LRoy and Ruth (Carter) Briggs. Graydon and Sally (Eaton) Briggs were married in the summer of 1954. They shared many enjoyable vacations with their children, spent quiet times at their cottage on Bass Lake, Pentwater and cherished the time they spent together. Graydon held many titles in his working career, but most importantly he cherished his “title” of Grandpa to his grandchildren and Papa to his great grandchildren who all adored him. Graydon and Shirley Dyer were married in 2006. They enjoyed their many road trips, spending time in Pentwater and just spending quality time together. Shirley passed away in 2022. Graydon graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1953. He worked at Lansing Forge Plant and Michigan Highway Dept. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he worked in construction and building orphanages. He worked for the Grand Ledge Fire Dept. for 37 years. He was Fire Chief for 35 years. He was an active member of Cole-Briggs Post 48 American Legion, Grand Ledge and VFW. He was very community minded and was a member of the Grand Ledge City Council, Cemetery Board, Historical Society and Wacousta Lion’s Club. Survivors include his children, daughter, Joni (Ken) Fuller, son Mark Briggs, and daughter-in-law Karen Briggs. Grandchildren, Jamie (Steve) Ordiway, Heather (Travis) Howland, Garrett (Carolyn) Briggs, Amy Fuller and Denise (Nick) Boucher. Great-grandchildren, Carter and Cooper Ordiway, Keaton and Keaghan Howland and Austin and Wesley Briggs. Sister, Margery Briggs (Michael Judd). Several nieces and nephews. Step-daughters, Tanya (Steve) Haney, Teryl Nixon, Tracy Rivera and Tamara (Michael) Neitzel and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Graydon was preceded in death by his parents, son, James L’Roy in 2021, brother Jack Briggs and sister and brother-in-law, Dan and Jan Hendrickson. The family will receive family and friends at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge Sunday, August 13, 2023 2-4pm and 5-8pm. Visitation Monday, August 14, 2023 from 10am until time of funeral service 11:00am at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Grand Ledge.You may watch the funeral for Graydon at 11:00 am Monday at Grand Ledge First UCC zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82486542174?pwd=djlQNlRXWXdxYnhmZmR3bUJ6UU4zdz09. Military and Fire Dept. Honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, Grand Ledge Fire Department or the American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48, Grand Ledge. Graydon loved so many people…and so many people loved him. So, today and going forward, please tell someone every day that you love them in Graydon’s Memory.

R. Graydon Briggs

January 16, 1935 - August 10, 2023