Michael Wayne Briggs

Michael Wayne Briggs, a man of deep faith, who was loved and cherished by a large family and many friends, left this earthly life on January 28, 2025, at the age of 86. He is now wrapped in the arms of his Heavenly Father.

Mike was born on January 17, 1939, in Houston, Texas to Alton and Glenna Briggs. He was the second of four children.

Mike’s family moved back to Lubbock, Texas when Mike was 5 or 6 years old. Although he would later live in other places, he always considered Lubbock his home and he was a proud Texan. In 1950, Mike’s dad opened “4-Way Service”, a full-service gas station and auto repair shop and Mike grew up learning how to fix cars. He loved to tell stories about the mischief he got into with a car (and there was a lot of mischief), or when he and his brother, Tony, rode motorcycles with Buddy Holly. His love of cars and motorcycles continued through adulthood and he passed his enthusiasm and knowledge to his sons. He built a woodworking and automotive shop at his home in Lubbock that he planned and dreamt of since childhood. It was a source of great pride and the envy of all who entered.

He was in the first graduating class of both Monterey High School (1957) and Lubbock Christian College (1959). He attended Texas Tech where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a concentration in Finance.

He worked in the finance industry as an Executive Officer in Levelland, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Tucson and Phoenix, AZ. After retiring, he held several positions to occupy his time, among these were: L2 Auto Sales, Lubbock County Appraisal District, and Lakeridge Memorial Home.

In 1960, he married Kattie Ruth Potts in Lubbock. Together they had three children, Michael, Doug, and Susan.

After this marriage ended, he married Nancye Hamblen Hudgins in Tucson, AZ. The two were happily married for 33 years, making their home first in Tucson and then Lubbock.

He is survived by his wife, Nancye Briggs, and his brother Stephen Briggs (Bernie).

Mike provided unwavering support and love to his three children and four bonus children, all of whom survive him: Michael Briggs (Melissa) of Albuquerque, Doug Briggs of Lubbock, Susan Briggs Thomas of Lubbock, Laura Hudgins Wilbanks (Doug) of Lubbock, Cheryl Hudgins Ogle of Lubbock, Gary Hudgins (Beth) of Wake Forest, NC, and Robin Hudgins Colyer (Kim) of Albuquerque. 

He is also survived by 21 grandchildren who brought him great joy. Shelby, Hayley, Tyler, Meghan, Lindsey, Cameron, Reagan, Landon, Brendan, Jordan, Zachary ’Huck’, Chase, Madison, Marlyssa, Layne, Kaylie, Taylor, Benjamin, Kaitlin, Hannah, and Logan. He taught them that his middle initial “W” stood for “Wonderful” - a fact they carried into adulthood. Some of his grandkids remember “Pa” chasing them as “Big Bad Fwed” with shaving cream on his whiskers! He also had 25 (and counting) great grandchildren.

He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Alton and Glenna; his brother Tony; his sister Jendy Gamblin; grandson James Michael Briggs; and his bonus son, Wayne Hudgins.

He enjoyed winning ruthless games of “Hand and Foot” and hosting countless friends in his home for dinner parties and card nights. He made true and lasting friendships wherever he went and left this earth a better place through his love, empathy, and example.

Mike was a faithful servant of His Lord, Jesus Christ. He was a generous and active member of the churches he attended including Montgomery Boulevard Church of Christ in Albuquerque, Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, Raintree Christian Church in Lubbock, and most recently, Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock and was a member of the Fellers-Graham Life Group which brought him much joy.

The family would like to thank Beyond Faith Hospice and Yvet’s Home for providing exemplary care, respect and support during his final weeks; and his Southcrest Baptist Church Family, whom he loved very much.

A Celebration of Life service will be at Raintree Christian Church, 3601 82nd Street, Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Lubbock Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Paws and Stripes in Albuquerque, or a charity of your choosing.