Obituary of Russell Ford Briggs

Russell Ford Briggs, 82, of Roanoke, passed away on January 16, 2018 in Salem.

Russell was born in Roanoke , Va to the late Rev. Wayne Briggs and Sally O. Mills Briggs.  He is survived by his wife of 60+ years, Myrtle Hanks Briggs, his daughters Denise Briggs Leonard and spouse John of San Antonio Texas and Lisa Briggs Bailey and spouse Eric of New Castle, VA. His grandchildren and great grandchildren Russell and Heather Haygood of San Antonio, Texas, their children Shawn Schaffer, Jasmine Adkins, Jacob Adkins and Briar Mackenzie Haygood;  Nicole Haygood and her child Annabelle Herron; Richard and Emily Scherrep and their children Emma Rose and Lauralie, Jason and Justice Leonard and their child Janai; Sean Leonard; Vincent Bailey; and Triston Bailey.  He was preceded in death by his siblings James Briggs, Rev. Robert Briggs, Ruth McGlocklin and William Briggs.   His surviving siblings are Florence Collins of Salem, VA., Rev. John Briggs and wife Zona of Hillsville, VA, Paul and Joanne Briggs of Waynesboro, VA, Thomas Briggs of Hillsville, VA and Darlene Thomas and Ronald of Glade Spring, VA.

Russell was a dedicated husband and father whose family always came first.  He loved the Lord and loved to worship at the Salem Church of God.  He helped to build the church and continued to do the maintenance there until recently.  He loved teaching Sunday school, being on the board and Pastor Council.  He loved taking bus trips with Linkous Christian Bus Tours to see his favorite Southern Gospel groups in person.

His pallbearers will be grandson Richard Scherrep and nephews Eddie Collins, Eddie Briggs, Tony Briggs, Ray Briggs and Pete Boyd.

We would like to thank the staff at the Lewis Gale Infusion Center, Lewis Gale Oncology Department and the staff on the 3^rd and 6^th floor of Lewis Gale Hospital for their kind and caring treatment of Russell and his family during the time of his illness.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 19, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow services at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. (540)366-0707.