Thomas Edward Briggs Sr., 80, of Philadelphia, Illinois, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born on May 23, 1945, in Springfield, to Edward and Dorothy (Nisbet) Briggs. Tom married Terry Corman on November 18, 1967, in Havana, and she survives.

He is also survived by his children, Thomas (Karla) Briggs Jr. and David Briggs, both of Texas, and Trina (Todd) Jones of Philadelphia, IL; six grandchildren; one great grandson due in May; sister, Barbara Alphin of Ellijay, GA; and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Berlinda Briggs.

Tom graduated from Virginia High School in 1963. He joined the U.S. Army and served from 1963 to 1966 during the Vietnam War, working in mechanics in Germany. He had been a member of the American Legion in Virginia for thirty-nine years and the NRA for several years. Tom was also a member of Masonic Lodge #544 in Virginia for twenty-six years.

Tom worked at Nestle USA in Jacksonville for thirty years as a maintenance worker. After retirement, he drove a school bus for A-C Central for 24 years and really enjoyed it. He was also a skilled welder, mechanic, and carpenter. Tom enjoyed rebuilding and painting cars. He loved his two dogs, Pepper and Rooster.

Cremation will be accorded and there will be no services. Memorial donations are suggested to P.A.W.S. of Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.