Raymond Briggs, Jr.

Raymond T. Briggs Jr, age 68, passed away peacefully in his home in Kyle, Texas, on December 5, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Ray was born on May 25, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Raymond T Briggs Sr and Joan (Thompson) Briggs. In 1973, Ray married Linda (Recchia) in Chicago, Illinois.

Ray attended Bogan High School before joining the Army. He served our country for 6 years and always made sure to support our veterans. Throughout his life, Ray was most proud to provide for his wife and children, and exceptionally proud that all of his children graduated college.

In his free time, he was an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. He enjoyed vintage cars and loved Chicago style pizza.  Nothing made him happier than going to his oldest grandson’s baseball games, his granddaughters’ dance recitals, and experiencing his youngest grandson’s giggles.

He will be most remembered for his generosity and putting everyone else’s needs before himself. Everyone knew Ray by his old school mustache, great sense of humor, and we all enjoyed his South Side Chicago accent.

Ray is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda (Recchia) Briggs; daughter Michelle, her husband Scott, and grandchildren Nico, Brixie Sue and Savannah; son Scott, his wife Elicia, and step grandchild Monyca; son Jeff, his wife Natalie, and grandchild Wyatt; and son Steven and his fiancé Marcela. Ray is also survived by his siblings Jean Wagner, Jackie Durrant, Mary Porter, and late Johnny Briggs.

The family will receive those that wish to attend a COVID-19 observant visitation on Sunday, December 13, 2020 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington, IL. Due to current CDC and local guidelines, face masks are required for attendees and measures of safe social distancing will be practiced. The funeral home staff will assist the family not to exceed the safe number set forth for the visitation. A private family service will be held, and those wishing to participate in Raymond’s service online are welcome to join the live-streamed service beginning at 5:00 p.m. This virtual service is accessible by logging onto his memorial page.

Raymond will be laid to rest with military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Due to cemetery limitation of only (10) being able to be in attendance, this virtual service event is also accessible by logging onto his memorial page Monday morning, December 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Ray's name to the Wounded Warriors Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Ray's memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Raymond-BriggsJr

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington, Illinois. ( 815-476-2181 )