David R Briggs

David was a dreamer, visionary and pioneer. He was a self motivated man who left his home in Mississippi at age 18 to work for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroads as a cook. This job was his first adventure traveling city to city and exposing himself to new and soon to be great things.

In 1943 David moved to Cincinnati where he started working in construction, and became a general contractor in 1950.

David formed a singing group, the “Jewel Gospel Trumpets” who traveled and performed in various churches around and out of town. On November 5, 1947 his was the first and only black group to appear on the first airing of the television station, WLWT in Cincinnati, Ohio.

David started the “Briggs Brothers Construction Company” which included a few of his brothers, and other associates. In 1959 David was the first black man to develop and build 20 ranch-style homes in Cincinnati. The project was completed in 1960, and stands to this day on a street he named “Anna Bettye Lane” taken from the name of his daughter and then wife. In 1962, David, a Free Mason, built the Corinthian Masonic Lodge #1 located in Cincinnati. His company also built and remodeled various other structures all over the greater Cincinnati area.

David moved to Compton, California in 1965, and started a new business called, “Briggs & Son’s Construction Company”. He constructed and remodeled several office buildings, schools, and homes in Los Angeles County, and beyond. One particular job close to his heart was building the, Boys and Girls Club located in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles, California.

David purchased 2 1/2 acres of land at 250 N. Central Ave. in, Compton, California. He then decided to build a restaurant. His sons, Benji, Hassan, and grandson, Philip helped him build the 10,000 square foot, two story building. This labor of love took almost 5 1/2 years to build. His masterpiece was completed in the year 1989. He proudly named it “King David Seafood Restaurant” and opened for business on August 18, 1989.

David was married three times and blessed with five children. His first wife Anna Vivian Sechrest presented him with two children, Anna Pearl Briggs Locke-Yelverton, David Ray Briggs Jr. aka Hassan Abdul Shaid. His second wife, Bettye Tillery presented him with a son, Paul Benjamin Briggs, and his third wife, Napacharee Sangroon presented him with a son, David Ray Briggs Jr., and a daughter, Dacharee Sangroon Briggs.

David has a large family. The first born daughter, Anna, blessed him with 3 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. The first born son, David (Hassan) gave him 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren, and the second born son, Paul gave him 6 grandchildren.

David loved his family. He always tried to include them in most everything he did and welcomed them to join him where ever he went. After settling in California, he sent for his two older children and their families, giving them a new start with a place to stay, and a job. He also sent for his youngest brother, James and his family from Northern California, and assisted them in the same way.

David traveled over the years to many places on business and for pleasure. He loved traveling to Asia visiting places such as Japan, and Thailand. In later years he discovered Belize on a business venture and fell in love with the place.

David decided to retire after more than 50 years as a General Contractor, and the many other business ventures he experienced. He then started his quarterly trips to his beloved Belize, developing many friendships as time went by.

On March 6, 2012, David suffered a massive stroke while in Belize. He lived until two of his children, and oldest grandson arrived there to be by his side.

David was a quiet, easy going, friendly and generous man. He always greeted everyone with a handshake and his trademark smile.

David had many friends and helped a lot of people over the years. Some never knew that the gifts of kindness came from him, and he preferred it that way.

David was called home by our Heavenly Father on March 16, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and his first born son.

David leaves behind his brother, Curtis Briggs, along with his 4 remaining children, 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.