Robert G. “Bumpin Bobby” Briggs, 66, of Toledo, Ohio died in a tragic boat racing accident on Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Port Neches, Texas during the final race of the RiverFest Thunder on the Neches Powerboat Championship.
He was born January 4, 1957 in Toledo, Ohio to Glen W. Briggs and Elizabeth Kaiser Briggs.
Bobby was a jack of alltrades working in all facets of construction and was the President of Briggs Construction for many years.
Bobby’s greatest passion was tunnel boat racing and started as a crew member for Dave White. After a ride in the two-seater tunnel boat driven by Bill Seebold, Bobby was hooked and bought his own tunnel boat for the 2005 season. After a serious crash in 2006 in Trenton, Michigan, Bobby took a hiatus from the sport. Bobby’s passion for racing was reignited in 2019 when Mike Klepadlo offered to allow him to drive his tunnel boat in Bobby’s hometown of Toledo, Ohio. After the Toledo race, Bobby and Ryan Kurtz bought a tunnel boat and Busch Cracklin Racing was formed. The team was comprised of friends and family and traveled to many cities throughout the last 4 years and forged many lasting friendships along the way. Bobby’s racing highlights include Rookie of the Year 2005 – SST 120, Rookie of the Year 2022 – Branson Grand Prix, and 10th in Points F200 Class – 2022.
Friends will remember Bobby’s contagious laugh, warm smile, kind heart, and endless stories. Over the years, he became a part of many families attending birthdays, holidays, and vacations. He truly cherished each friendship and considered everyone family.
Bobby was an active member at the Toledo Sailing Club where in recent years he played the role of Santa Claus for the kids Christmas Party. He had a soft spot for kids and always carried stickers, cards, and $2bills to sign and handout. Whether it be a bulldozer, excavator or forklift, Bobby was also known to show kids how to operate machinery by allowing them to ride along.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Surviving family include his brothers, Thomas, Gary, and John Briggs; sister, Rebecca “Becky” Dippman; and special uncle, Harold “Shorty” Briggs.
He was truly one of a kind and never met a stranger. “At any rate,” you will be greatly missed!!
