Clarence A. Briggs, Jr. passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.
He was born on September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, OK to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2 his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Matlock. He graduated from High School and in October 1947 he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve in December of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956 he moved the family to Fort Worth and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter, Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963. In1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Ling-Temco-Vought, where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1994.
Following retirement Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes and was recently recognized for 25 years of service. Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years and following a few years off was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons he arranged cruises for the group going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons, Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters; Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman; Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan; grandson; Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; and several nieces and nephews; many, many dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, TX 76140.
Wade∼Clarence A. "Cabby" Briggs (September 27, 1929 - May 19, 2021)
Clarence Abner "Cabby" Briggs, Jr., 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens, in Arlington, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
He was born on Friday, September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2, his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there, he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Louise Matlock. He graduated from High School, and in October 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve (December 24) of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956, he moved the family to Fort Worth, and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963.
In 1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Chance Vought (and after, its successor company, Ling-Temco-Vought or LTV Aerospace & Defense). He worked for many years on the Scout Launch Vehicle program. Cabby worked for the company for a total of 32 years, retiring in 1994.
NOTE: The following 4 paragraphs were written by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee --
Clarence Abner Briggs who we all know as Cabby, claimed he received that moniker while working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth as a short for his initials, CAB.
Cabby worked for LTV Aerospace in the Trajectory Analysis/ Flight Mechanics Group in Jack Bean's Aeroballistics Group. He was Group Leader for some period, and worked on the NASA Small Capability Orbital Utility Test vehicle (SCOUT) for many years and later worked in project management on other programs. He was involved in LTV's San Marco Scout and Improvements programs.
Before his retirement, he was the Project Engineer for an (LTV/Vought/LMMFC) consulting contract with the FIAT/BPD (formerly SNIA Italian Rocket Manufacturer) efforts in the Italian Government's ASI Space Agency Italian National Launch Vehicle Program. Ken Cejka was Program Manager and I was a hacker spending 5 stints in Italy with the Italian engineers and managers. I learned how to fearlessly drive in Rome traffic from Cabby. I found out why spring loaded outside rear view mirrors are a necessity in Rome. I was in the passenger seat as CAB made his way down a typical Roman backstreet with triple parked cars. It made a noise as the right rear view mirror sprung back after doing the same to a parked car. There was no damage and that is just the way the Italians drove in the early 1990s.
On one of these trips, Cabby showed me how the NAVY packs their 'suitcase'; all clothes are rolled up in a tight jelly roll fashion. This gets rid of all the trapped air and surprisingly doesn't wrinkle them much.
At the end of that several year contract, Cabby retired from the Company. For many years, I would see him at the Lockheed Martin Management Club meetings and also at the LTV Quarter Century Club outings. It was a privilege working with Cabby for those years. He will not be forgotten.
- by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee
Following retirement, Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes, and was recently recognized for 25 years of service.
Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years, and following a few years off, was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons, he arranged cruises for the group -- going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing, and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons -- Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; and sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters -- Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman, and Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan, grandson, Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends.
Wade Family Funeral Home
4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013
817-274-9233
- based on obituary posted on the website of the Wade Family Funeral Home.
He was born on September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, OK to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2 his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Matlock. He graduated from High School and in October 1947 he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve in December of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956 he moved the family to Fort Worth and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter, Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963. In1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Ling-Temco-Vought, where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1994.
Following retirement Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes and was recently recognized for 25 years of service. Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years and following a few years off was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons he arranged cruises for the group going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons, Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters; Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman; Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan; grandson; Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; and several nieces and nephews; many, many dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, TX 76140.
Wade∼Clarence A. "Cabby" Briggs (September 27, 1929 - May 19, 2021)
Clarence Abner "Cabby" Briggs, Jr., 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens, in Arlington, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
He was born on Friday, September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2, his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there, he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Louise Matlock. He graduated from High School, and in October 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve (December 24) of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956, he moved the family to Fort Worth, and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963.
In 1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Chance Vought (and after, its successor company, Ling-Temco-Vought or LTV Aerospace & Defense). He worked for many years on the Scout Launch Vehicle program. Cabby worked for the company for a total of 32 years, retiring in 1994.
NOTE: The following 4 paragraphs were written by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee --
Clarence Abner Briggs who we all know as Cabby, claimed he received that moniker while working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth as a short for his initials, CAB.
Cabby worked for LTV Aerospace in the Trajectory Analysis/ Flight Mechanics Group in Jack Bean's Aeroballistics Group. He was Group Leader for some period, and worked on the NASA Small Capability Orbital Utility Test vehicle (SCOUT) for many years and later worked in project management on other programs. He was involved in LTV's San Marco Scout and Improvements programs.
Before his retirement, he was the Project Engineer for an (LTV/Vought/LMMFC) consulting contract with the FIAT/BPD (formerly SNIA Italian Rocket Manufacturer) efforts in the Italian Government's ASI Space Agency Italian National Launch Vehicle Program. Ken Cejka was Program Manager and I was a hacker spending 5 stints in Italy with the Italian engineers and managers. I learned how to fearlessly drive in Rome traffic from Cabby. I found out why spring loaded outside rear view mirrors are a necessity in Rome. I was in the passenger seat as CAB made his way down a typical Roman backstreet with triple parked cars. It made a noise as the right rear view mirror sprung back after doing the same to a parked car. There was no damage and that is just the way the Italians drove in the early 1990s.
On one of these trips, Cabby showed me how the NAVY packs their 'suitcase'; all clothes are rolled up in a tight jelly roll fashion. This gets rid of all the trapped air and surprisingly doesn't wrinkle them much.
At the end of that several year contract, Cabby retired from the Company. For many years, I would see him at the Lockheed Martin Management Club meetings and also at the LTV Quarter Century Club outings. It was a privilege working with Cabby for those years. He will not be forgotten.
- by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee
Following retirement, Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes, and was recently recognized for 25 years of service.
Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years, and following a few years off, was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons, he arranged cruises for the group -- going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing, and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons -- Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; and sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters -- Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman, and Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan, grandson, Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends.
Wade Family Funeral Home
4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013
817-274-9233
- based on obituary posted on the website of the Wade Family Funeral Home.
Clarence A. Briggs, Jr. passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.
He was born on September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, OK to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2 his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Matlock. He graduated from High School and in October 1947 he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve in December of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956 he moved the family to Fort Worth and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter, Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963. In1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Ling-Temco-Vought, where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1994.
Following retirement Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes and was recently recognized for 25 years of service. Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years and following a few years off was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons he arranged cruises for the group going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons, Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters; Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman; Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan; grandson; Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; and several nieces and nephews; many, many dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, TX 76140.
Wade∼Clarence A. "Cabby" Briggs (September 27, 1929 - May 19, 2021)
Clarence Abner "Cabby" Briggs, Jr., 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens, in Arlington, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
He was born on Friday, September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2, his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there, he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Louise Matlock. He graduated from High School, and in October 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve (December 24) of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956, he moved the family to Fort Worth, and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963.
In 1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Chance Vought (and after, its successor company, Ling-Temco-Vought or LTV Aerospace & Defense). He worked for many years on the Scout Launch Vehicle program. Cabby worked for the company for a total of 32 years, retiring in 1994.
NOTE: The following 4 paragraphs were written by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee --
Clarence Abner Briggs who we all know as Cabby, claimed he received that moniker while working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth as a short for his initials, CAB.
Cabby worked for LTV Aerospace in the Trajectory Analysis/ Flight Mechanics Group in Jack Bean's Aeroballistics Group. He was Group Leader for some period, and worked on the NASA Small Capability Orbital Utility Test vehicle (SCOUT) for many years and later worked in project management on other programs. He was involved in LTV's San Marco Scout and Improvements programs.
Before his retirement, he was the Project Engineer for an (LTV/Vought/LMMFC) consulting contract with the FIAT/BPD (formerly SNIA Italian Rocket Manufacturer) efforts in the Italian Government's ASI Space Agency Italian National Launch Vehicle Program. Ken Cejka was Program Manager and I was a hacker spending 5 stints in Italy with the Italian engineers and managers. I learned how to fearlessly drive in Rome traffic from Cabby. I found out why spring loaded outside rear view mirrors are a necessity in Rome. I was in the passenger seat as CAB made his way down a typical Roman backstreet with triple parked cars. It made a noise as the right rear view mirror sprung back after doing the same to a parked car. There was no damage and that is just the way the Italians drove in the early 1990s.
On one of these trips, Cabby showed me how the NAVY packs their 'suitcase'; all clothes are rolled up in a tight jelly roll fashion. This gets rid of all the trapped air and surprisingly doesn't wrinkle them much.
At the end of that several year contract, Cabby retired from the Company. For many years, I would see him at the Lockheed Martin Management Club meetings and also at the LTV Quarter Century Club outings. It was a privilege working with Cabby for those years. He will not be forgotten.
- by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee
Following retirement, Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes, and was recently recognized for 25 years of service.
Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years, and following a few years off, was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons, he arranged cruises for the group -- going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing, and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons -- Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; and sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters -- Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman, and Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan, grandson, Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends.
Wade Family Funeral Home
4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013
817-274-9233
- based on obituary posted on the website of the Wade Family Funeral Home.
He was born on September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, OK to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2 his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Matlock. He graduated from High School and in October 1947 he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve in December of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956 he moved the family to Fort Worth and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter, Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963. In1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Ling-Temco-Vought, where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1994.
Following retirement Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes and was recently recognized for 25 years of service. Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years and following a few years off was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons he arranged cruises for the group going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons, Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters; Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman; Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan; grandson; Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; and several nieces and nephews; many, many dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, TX 76140.
Wade∼Clarence A. "Cabby" Briggs (September 27, 1929 - May 19, 2021)
Clarence Abner "Cabby" Briggs, Jr., 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.
Services will be on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wade Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens, in Arlington, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clarence's name to Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 SE Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
He was born on Friday, September 27, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarence Briggs and Euna King, the third of four children. When Clarence was 2, his mother fell ill and the four siblings were sent to live with different relatives, Clarence to an aunt in Arkansas. At the age of 12, he went to live at the Tulsa Boys Home. While living there, he attended Tulsa Central High School where he met his future wife, Clara Louise Matlock. He graduated from High School, and in October 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic on various aircraft carriers.
On Christmas Eve (December 24) of 1950, while on leave, Clarence married Clara Matlock. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1951, Clarence attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while Clara remained in Tulsa with her parents, working and taking care of their first child, Dave, who was born in 1953. Clarence graduated from A&M with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with an aerospace option.
In June 1956, he moved the family to Fort Worth, and started his engineer career at General Dynamics. In addition, he began night school in September 1958 at SMU, which was also the year his daughter Cheryl was born. He completed his studies at SMU in 1964 with a Masters in Engineering. During that time his second son, Gary was born in 1963.
In 1962, he changed jobs, going to work for Chance Vought (and after, its successor company, Ling-Temco-Vought or LTV Aerospace & Defense). He worked for many years on the Scout Launch Vehicle program. Cabby worked for the company for a total of 32 years, retiring in 1994.
NOTE: The following 4 paragraphs were written by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee --
Clarence Abner Briggs who we all know as Cabby, claimed he received that moniker while working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth as a short for his initials, CAB.
Cabby worked for LTV Aerospace in the Trajectory Analysis/ Flight Mechanics Group in Jack Bean's Aeroballistics Group. He was Group Leader for some period, and worked on the NASA Small Capability Orbital Utility Test vehicle (SCOUT) for many years and later worked in project management on other programs. He was involved in LTV's San Marco Scout and Improvements programs.
Before his retirement, he was the Project Engineer for an (LTV/Vought/LMMFC) consulting contract with the FIAT/BPD (formerly SNIA Italian Rocket Manufacturer) efforts in the Italian Government's ASI Space Agency Italian National Launch Vehicle Program. Ken Cejka was Program Manager and I was a hacker spending 5 stints in Italy with the Italian engineers and managers. I learned how to fearlessly drive in Rome traffic from Cabby. I found out why spring loaded outside rear view mirrors are a necessity in Rome. I was in the passenger seat as CAB made his way down a typical Roman backstreet with triple parked cars. It made a noise as the right rear view mirror sprung back after doing the same to a parked car. There was no damage and that is just the way the Italians drove in the early 1990s.
On one of these trips, Cabby showed me how the NAVY packs their 'suitcase'; all clothes are rolled up in a tight jelly roll fashion. This gets rid of all the trapped air and surprisingly doesn't wrinkle them much.
At the end of that several year contract, Cabby retired from the Company. For many years, I would see him at the Lockheed Martin Management Club meetings and also at the LTV Quarter Century Club outings. It was a privilege working with Cabby for those years. He will not be forgotten.
- by R.N. Knauber, retired LTV/Vought/Loral/Lockheed Martin employee
Following retirement, Clarence began taking computer classes at Tarrant County College, eventually teaching in the Senior program. He loved teaching the computer classes, and was recently recognized for 25 years of service.
Following the death of his wife Clara in 1997, he became involved with the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County. He eventually served as President for 9 years, and following a few years off, was requested again to serve and was in his third year at the time of his death. During his time with the Widowed Persons, he arranged cruises for the group -- going to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Clarence also enjoyed the get-togethers - breakfasts, dinners, dances, etc. that the group always had. There was also the grief support that was there for the people within the group; he once said that he felt like it saved his life. He was especially known for his great big hugs. Everyone said they were special. Clarence also enjoyed travel, reading, music, dancing, and just being around people, He will truly be missed.
Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Matlock Briggs; sons -- Dave Briggs and Gary Briggs; brother, James Briggs; and sister, Mildred Staneck.
Clarence is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Briggs and her husband Joey Lankford; brother, Robert Briggs and his wife Josephine; granddaughters -- Sharise Briggs and her husband Chris Sleasman, and Stephanie Martin and her husband Dan, grandson, Dylan Briggs; granddaughter, Aycee Briggs; great-grandson, Joshua Briggs; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends.
Wade Family Funeral Home
4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013
817-274-9233
- based on obituary posted on the website of the Wade Family Funeral Home.
