John Durilla Briggs

John Durilla Briggs, of Rossville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 17th. He was 45 years of age. John grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he graduated from Southside High School in 1995. He attended Vanderbilt University, majoring in computer science, electrical engineering, and math. Upon graduation, John moved to the Memphis, Tennessee area.

John earned his Masters of Professional Studies in Homeland Security, Information Security, and Forensics from Penn State University in 2018. He most recently worked for Smith and Nephew as a Senior Security Architect.

John was kind, gentle and extremely bright and had a passion for Technology. He was determined to correct any Technical issue, with the perseverance that amazed many who have worked side-by-side with him.

John enjoyed a few hobbies, such as building computers and race car engines. He was up for any challenging task, and he loved working on one of his Big Boy Toys, a 2001 White Toyota Supra. When he worked hard to rebuild the engine and had it running, it brought a smile to his face, never to forget.

But, even as a child he always enjoyed the challenge of figuring out what made things work, and how he could fix them, a talent he had in common with his Father.

John was a family man and a loyal loving father. He was a kid at heart and loved to travel with his family. He loved Disney World, Water Parks, Theme Parks with the fun daring rides, and his girls were right by his side, always ready for the next fun adventure.

John will always be loved and never forgotten.

John 14:1-3

Don’t let hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me.

John is survived by his wife, Angela; his daughters, Gracee (“Gracee Bear”) and Hannah (“Gizmo”); his stepsons, Dylan and Tyler; his parents Cliff and Susan; his brother, Tripper (Keely) and nephew, Jack; his brother, Luke (Kim) and nephew, Carson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.