Edward “Ed” Briscoe, a man who never met a stranger, passed away surrounded by love and fond memories on October 2, 2025. He was born in Memphis, TN, on September 9, 2025, to Dorothy Martin and Jimmy Briscoe. On April 2, 1994, Edward married his love and partner, Carla Stiles. Ed was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family from the very first handshake. His booming laughter, quick wit, and open-hearted nature turned acquaintances into lifelong friends in an instant.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Ed could most often be found beneath the open sky fishing, camping, tending to his garden, or simply enjoying the crackle of a fire. No matter the season, there was always a fire burning when Ed was around, drawing people in like moths to a flame. It wasn’t just warmth from the flames; it was the warmth of his spirit.
Ed was a hardworking man who believed that a job worth doing was worth doing right. Whether he was on the clock or lending a hand to someone in need, he gave his all with pride and integrity.
Family was everything to Ed. He loved fiercely and selflessly, always offering a helping hand without hesitation. If you knew Ed, chances are he fed you at least once. He was a master at the grill, happiest when he was cooking for a crowd and watching people go back for seconds, whether they were family by blood or family by heart.
Ed leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hospitality, and unwavering love. His life was a gathering, and we were all better for being invited.
He will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered by every life he touched, every fire he lit, and every story told around one in his honor.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Carla Briscoe of thirty-one years; his children, Cortney McGhghy (Duane), Amber Davis, and Christopher Stiles; his grandchildren, Austin McGhghy, Chloe McGhghy, Oliver McGhghy, and Jayden Foreman. Ed is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Kealer (George); his brothers, Bradley Kealer and Jeff Briscoe; his sisters, Patricia Reed (Perry), Debbie Cobb, and Sherell Wray (Mike); and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by two sons, Jerry Briscoe and Nathan Stiles; his father, Jimmy Briscoe; and his grandparents, JW and Annie Martin, and Vardiman and Verona Briscoe.
Willis Funeral Service will host a visitation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6 PM until 8 PM. The funeral service, officiated by Brother Scott Jones, will be at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, October 10, 2025, beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be held at Holly Springs Cemetery in Hope, AR, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 4 PM. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kevin Jeffrey, Terry Jennings, Floyd Murphree, Duane McGhghy, Chris Stiles, Ben Birkhead, Brad Kealer, and Chris Martin.
