Wilmington community leader Hollis Briggs dies at 67
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –Hollis Briggs, a longtime community leader in Wilmington known for his public service and advocacy, has died. He was 67.
Briggs, a Wilmington native, spent decades serving in various capacities, including as a Commissioner for the USS North Carolina Battleship and Chairman of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee.
According to an online bio, after spending 33 years as an executive chef in the Atlanta area, Briggs returned to Wilmington in 1999 and launched Northwest Traffic Services. He was appointed by the governor to the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission from 2007 to 2013.
Briggs was also a prominent figure in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in Wilmington, leading the organizing committee.
New Hanover NAACP President LeRon Montogmery said Briggs’ civic duty was an inspiration for him.
“His legacy, his contributions to Wilmington were of civic engagement most definitely,” Montgomery said. “He was very involved civically, politically, socially.”
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the severity of Hollis Briggs’ illness. Hollis has served our community in many capacities throughout his life and deserves our deepest gratitude for his ability to reach out and lift up those around him through hard work and kindness. He will always be remembered for his annual work in organizing and managing the Wilmington events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King,” New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple said in a statement. “The wonderful MLK Parade and MLK Banquet served as a rallying cry for all of southeastern North Carolina, reminding us that we are all better when we come together and share in a day of remembrance, respect, and love.”
Zapple also remembered Briggs for his humor.
“Many people knew he was actually a very funny guy. He was always quick, if he saw you, you know, kind of sitting there focused on something else, he would come up and just give you an elbow and say something to brighten your day. And he had a great laugh.”
In 2019, he was appointed to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Board by New Hanover County, where he served on several committees, including Long Range Planning, Sustainability, Communications, and Human Resources, which he chaired.
“He was known for his interest in the well-being of CFPUA employees at all levels of the organization, and he often would stop to speak with staff when he encountered them working in the community,” the CFPUA said in a statement.
“Hollis was a friend of mine years ago, and then we were lucky enough to get involved in local politics and non-profits, which enabled us to work together in a meaningful way! Hollis has a million friends and was never at a loss for words. He did an exemplary job as a member of the CFPUA Board of Directors, and no one will ever forget the fact that the annual MLK Parade would not have risen to the size and impact on this community, that it has without Hollis’ drive and determination. He was a Good Man, and I will miss my friend Hollis!” Wilmington City Councilman Charlie Rivenbark said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
