Ewell J. Briscoe
Decatur
Mr. Briscoe left us to be with his Lord on Monday evening, July 6, 2009. He had lain quietly with breathing and heart trouble for some days, but now is at peace in the company of his loved ones who preceded him, and they await us. Briscoe loved his family with his whole heart, and he took the greatest pleasure in his wide circle of friends, neighbors and old customers at Williams-Briscoe Auto Parts. A faithful member of Central Baptist Church since moving to Decatur in 1933, he served the children's programs in particular with deep Christian love, teaching children of three for more than 50 years. He could not have cherished his friends at Central more, and helped with a children's Sunday school suite, playground and other projects. E.J. gave his conscientious service to Decatur through the Civitans, Decatur High chorus and band projects, the Community School during the Depression and much else. Briscoe moved here in 1932 to finish high school, and he was born and raised on a cotton farm at Ryan's Crossroads near Priceville on Sept. 7, 1916. Mr. Briscoe is survived by two sons, William Ewell and his fianc Jacquelyn Goode, and James Robert and his wife, Anna. Bill's daughters are Maggie and Kathryn, and Jim's children are Rochelle, Madeleine and her husband, Justin Smith. Louise, his beloved wife of 60 years, preceded him in death in 1998. Briscoe's parents, W.J. and Josie, and all his brothers and sisters preceded him as well, Lois Ward, Alvis, Tommy and Geraldine Smallwood. He is also survived by several nieces and their families, his sister-in-law, Doris Briscoe (Alvis) and his brother-in-law, Carl Smallwood. Services for Ewell will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, for visitation and 3 p.m. for the service at Central Baptist Church on Highway 31 South. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery afterwards, with Ridout's Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. Rev. Jimmy Meek will serve, and pallbearers will be Gil Aldrich, Jimmy Byrd, Billy Crosswhite, Buddy Landers, William Littlejohn, Don Meek, Oliver Meredith and Hershel Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Black, Ed Breland, Gilbert Couch, George Hamilton, John Haynes, Bob Iverson, Charlie Knowlton, Herman Marks Sr., Bob Rodgers and Marvin Taylor. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations be offered to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home in Decatur, the Decatur General Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.