Howard E. ''Jack'' Briggs, Sr., 92, passed away January 21, 2012 in Virginia Beach. Mr. Briggs was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late James A. Briggs and Lula King Briggs.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1952, and was a veteran of World War II and Korea. Mr. Briggs retired as a Superintendant from the Naval Air Reworks Facility in 1974 after 33 years of service. He also was a Flight Instructor for 15 years in Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia. Jack was most proud of earning his Commercial Pilots license, Flight Instructors license and Advanced Ground School license. He was able to retire to Lake Gaston in 1975, where he became a founding member of Lake Gaston Baptist Church and served as a Deacon for many years. Jack and his beloved wife Martha were members of several Square Dance Clubs in the Norfolk area. He was an avid golfer, bowler and Duck Pins Champion. He attributed his long life to having at least 1 Coca Cola a day.

Mr. Briggs was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Martha ''GiGi'' Briggs, his son Howard E. Briggs Jr., and 3 Sisters Nellie Briggs, Erma Hobbs and Dixie Boyd.

Survivors include his daughter Jacqueline Matthews of Virginia Beach, 3 Sisters Frances Kincaid, Ruby Griggs, and Louise Wiggans all of Suffolk, 1 Brother Earl Briggs of Manns Harbor, N.C., 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Lake Gaston Baptist Church in Littleton with Rev. Todd Stout and Rev. David Kizziah officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake Gaston Baptist Church, 10 Lynnwood Road, Littleton, N.C. 27850.