[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN R. BRIGGS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a 
loving family man and dedicated civic servant, Mr. ``Big'' John R. 
Briggs, Jr., who passed away in Terrell, Texas, on June 10, 1998.
  Big John was born in Rockwall, Texas, on June 14, 1918. At an early 
age, John began to work with his father at Briggs Oil Company and 
established Briggs Wrecker Service in 1933, a business he continued 
until his retirement. In 1953, Big John married the former Marion 
Howie, with whom he raised a son and two daughters.
  Big John became a lifelong resident of Terrell when he began work for 
the Texas Highway Department surveying new roads in the southern part 
of Kaufman County. During World War II, John and his father helped 
construct the British Flying Training School that was built at the 
local airport. There John remained as Supervisor of Civilian Operations 
non-military personnel through the duration of the War.
  Tirelessly committed to the community, Big John not only served as a 
member of the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department for over 38 years, but 
was even named fire chief by his peers. When he retired from the fire 
department Big John was elected mayor of Terrell, serving four terms 
from 1981 to 1988. According to his family, Big John was eternally 
dedicated to the City of Terrell, making every decision with the best 
interest of the people of Terrell at heart. With great vision, Big John 
helped lay the foundation in the 1980s for the extensive industrial 
growth that benefits Terrell today.
  Mr. Speaker, Big John Briggs was loved and respected by most everyone 
who knew him and he will be greatly missed by family and friends. As we 
adjourn today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great 
American--the late John R. Briggs.

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