Background
Briggs, William Benajah was born on December 13, 1922 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States. Son of Eugene Stephen and Mary Bettie (Gentry) Briggs.
Briggs, William Benajah was born on December 13, 1922 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States. Son of Eugene Stephen and Mary Bettie (Gentry) Briggs.
Bachelor in Physics, Phillips University, 1943. Doctor of Science (honorary), Phillips University, 1977. Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1947.
Aeronautical scientist National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Cleveland, 1948-1952. Propulsion engineer Regulus II, Scout l.v., Dynasoar, Washington representative Chance Vought Aircraft/Ling-Temco-Vought, Dallas, 1952-1964. Manager advanced planning Marsviking, Jupiter probe McDonnell Douglas Company, St. Louis, 1964-1980, director program development fusion energy, 1980-1987.
Planetary quarantine advisory panel National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Chairman Disciples Council Greater St. Louis, 1969-1973. Chairman board Christian Board Publications, St. Louis, 1974-1991. Board directors Joint Community Ministries, 1987-1992, Emergency Childrens Home, 1994-2000.
Chairman arrangements general assembly/synod Disciples of Christ/United Church of Christ, 1993. Trustee Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma, since 1996. With United States Naval Reserve, 1943-1946, Atlantic and West Pacific.
Associate fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (director region 5 1974-1977, vice president member services 1978-1979). Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Nuclear Society, Navy League.
Married Lorraine Hood, June 6, 1944. Children– Eugene Stephen II, Cynthia Anne, Julia Louise, Spencer Gentry.