RICKY STEPHEN BRIGGS, JR.LAFAYETTE - Ricky Stephen Briggs, Jr.1981 - 2017"I have fought the good fight; I have won the reward." 2 Timothy 4:7 Lafayette, LA - On Tuesday, February 21st, the final curtain was drawn on the miraculous life of Ricky Stephen Briggs, Jr. when he left his earthly home to enter the gates of heaven. Grieving his passing yet celebrating his life are his devoted wife, Hannah Kerner Briggs, their precious twin boys, Sawyer St. Julien Briggs and Theodore "Teddy" Andrus Briggs, his parents, Ricky and Sonya Alleman Briggs, his mother-in-law, Suszanne Kerner, his sisters-in-law, Amy Kerner and Amanda Kerner, nephews, Dylan and Ethan, and niece, Sofia. He was adored beyond measure by his grandparents, George and Varnell Andrus Briggs and Dalfred and Joyce Monceaux Alleman. He is also survived by his Godparents George "Chip" Briggs and Rachael Alleman Kratzer, many uncles, aunts and cousins who supported him, laughed with him and followed him on his incredible journey. He was the proud godfather to Joshua Brodie Briggs and Jaxson Dominique Pierce. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Amanda Claire Briggs with whom he shared a special bond growing up together with Cystic Fibrosis. He coached her through life and in her final moments until she was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. Ricky was born on May 15, 1981 in Lafayette, Louisiana. He attended St. Cecelia Catholic School in Broussard, Broadmoor Elementary, Edgar Martin Middle School, and St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette. He moved with his family to Tomball, Texas in 1997 and graduated from Tomball High School in 1999. He attended Tomball Junior College where he developed a passion for acting and comedy. He returned to Lafayette in 2001 where he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and met his future wife while performing in "Correct Usage and Common Errors", a comedy produced by the College of the Performing Arts.Ricky married his best friend and the love of his life, Hannah, in July of 2003, at their church, Community Christian Assembly in Sunset, LA. Both actors, the two enjoyed performing in SKIT HAPPENS, a sketch comedy troupe which they co-founded with dear friends and were long time members of Acting Up! (in Acadiana) where they co-starred in numerous productions. For nearly thirteen years, they worked with Summer Youth Shakespeare Ensemble. Ricky and Hannah looked forward to coaching young people who shared their love of Shakespeare and theatre. His life was spent with numerous hospitalizations and home medical care always with his wife at his side, particularly during the trying struggles prior to receiving a lifesaving double lung transplant. The couple were thrilled to welcome their two little miracles into the world in April of 2012. Ricky considered fatherhood his greatest accomplishment and was motivated daily by his boys to continue living his life to the fullest. Ricky entertained audiences across the US on stage, in film and television. However, his true passion lied in stand-up comedy. Ricky's hilarious routines were focused largely on growing up with a chronic illness and making light of the challenges that he faced every day. His message of faith, determination and overcoming inspired nearly every one he came into contact with. Always an advocate for Cystic Fibrosis awareness, he became a motivational speaker promoting positivity especially to those suffering with CF. In 2016, he was humbled to not only receive an award for his amazing ability to persevere, but also to have the award named after him. The Ricky Briggs Fighting Spirit Award was presented to him by The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and will be given every year to a different CF warrior who has shown strength in adversity. Ricky's undeniable ability to make anyone laugh at anything was not only evident on stage but also to the many doctors and nurses who treated him throughout his life. He was so very grateful to receive such wonderful care from the following doctors and their staff: Brent Prather, Robert Beckerman, Marcia Katz, Tara Barto, Goutham Dronavalli, Amit Parulekar, and Benjamin Musher. The family would also like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment from the teams at Opelousas General, Tulane Medical Center, Lafayette General, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Kindred Hospital, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes. Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 1st of March at Martin and Castille Funeral Home-SOUTHSIDE 600 E Farrel Road, Lafayette, LA, 70508. A memorial celebration will be held at 2:30 PM with Pastor Rick Oglesby officiating at The Bayou Church 2234 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA, 70508. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be sent in his memory to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Louisiana Chapter, Baton Rouge Regional Office, 10532 South Glenstone Place, Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810 or contributions be made in Ricky, Jr.'s memory for his children's pending trust fund to Iberia Bank. Teddy and Sawyer, your Daddy's legacy lives on through you. He loved you "waaaay too much!"Condolences may be made to www.mourning.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin and Castille Funeral Home - SOUTHSIDE, Lafayette, LA, 70508, (337) 984-2811.