Gary L. Briggs

Gary L. Briggs, 80, of Sanford went to his heavenly home to be with Jesus appropriately on Sunday morning, April 23, 2023. His passing followed a long battle with Alzheimer/Dementia during which he always kept his sense of humor and spunk. Gary was born February 5, 1943 in his grandparents’ home in Averill. His father was serving in WW2 from the time of his birth until he was four years old. The family raised their children in Lincoln Township where his mother and father both had deep roots. From the time he was young, Gary exhibited entrepreneurial qualities and a remarkable work ethic that led him to open his first business, Briggs Wrecker Service on West River Road. By 1968, he sold this business and shifted into the excavation contracting business. He operated this venture on West River Road until 1973 when he moved to the current location of Briggs Contracting and Landscape Supply on Saginaw Road in Lincoln Township. He married Annalee Hildebrandt January 25, 1969 in her parents’ home. They had two children who they raised in the family home located behind the business on Saginaw Road. They purchased Allied Concrete in Midland and successfully ran that business for 20 years. Gary’s children, Jon & Anna, worked in the family business from the time they were young and continue his legacy through his businesses along with their own. This legacy of business ownership has continued to the third generation with his granddaughter, Hannah. From 2005 until 2020, Gary and Annalee enjoyed spending their winters in Molokai, Hawaii where they created many special memories with their Hawaiian friends and family. Gary was the happiest during his times in Hawaii with his wife by his side. Gary was known by many for his entrepreneurial endeavors of all sorts along with his bold Christian faith and ministry. He is survived by his wife, Annalee, son, Jon (Digger) Briggs, daughter Anna (Dean) Merillat. He also has three granddaughters, Hannah, Haylee and Heidi Merillat, all of Sanford. He was predeceased by his mother and father (Bill and Edna Briggs), his in-laws (Allen and Lydia Cole and Robert Hilderbrandt), a sister (Sharon Wishowski) and a brother (Michael Briggs). He is also survived by his siblings Carol (Dick) Hale, Beth (Curt) Moe, Jeff (Marilyn) Briggs and Mark Briggs and many nieces and nephews. Those wishing to offer a memoriam may send gifts to the Village of Sanford or the charity of their choice. The family will receive visitors from 4 – 7 pm at Wilson Miller Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Gary’s funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Wilson Miller and visitation will also be available for an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Sanford Cemetery and a luncheon will be offered at the Sanford American Legion following the services. Personal messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com.

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