Willie James Briggs was born, on November 28, 1935, to the late Willie Mae Briggs Peake and the late Matthew Peake, in Spartanburg, SC. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools. Willie was a "go getter" and was extremely active.  He was immensely kind and considerate. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds but had an infinity to baseball. His favorite team was the Atlanta Braves and liked the color brown.

Willie was preceded in death, along with his parents, by his wife Carrie Ann Briggs.

Left to cherish his fond and loving memories include sons, Nathan Briggs of Spartanburg, SC and Kerry (Anita) Briggs of Spartanburg, SC; daughters, Lorraine Briggs of Spartanburg, SC and Drucilla Briggs of Portland OR; uncle, Russell (Onie) Briggs of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Nakita Jenkins, Carami Briggs, Natalie Williams, Wilanda Jackson, Kasundra Briggs, and Quinesha Briggs; four great-grandchildren; friends, Carl Crook and Ray Hollis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On the morning of Friday, November 15, 2024, Willie transitioned peacefully the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.