Dr. Max Briley

Dr. Max Briley, 74, of Gosnell, passed from this life Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Born in Waynesboro, Tenn., to Max and Ruth Duncan Briley, Max was a 1965 graduate at Blytheville High School. He had a love for baseball and was the American Legion’s most valuable player in the state tournament in 1965. After graduation, Max attended Ouachita Baptist University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. His love for baseball never wavered as he went on to play four years of baseball and made all conference every year at Ouachita Baptist University. He also attended Arkansas State University where he received a degree in administration. After college, Max was an educator in the Gosnell School District for 30 1/2 years. He took on many roles such as a teacher, administrator and coach. Max was a driven individual in every aspect of his life. As a teacher and coach, he would dedicate himself to seeing that his students and players would excel to their full potential. He set examples that each person would be challenged to become the best they could be. As an administrator, he took on the daily challenges of the day-to-day operation of the Gosnell School System. He would wholeheartedly support the goals and aspirations of students and teachers alike, encouraging them to take pride in their strategic planning, to show support in every sector and to achieve the outcome expected by all.

In 1993, he felt called to go to seminary and do God’s work. He attended seminary at Luther Rice College and Seminary where he received his doctorate’s degree. Upon retirement from education, he entered full time ministry. Max was the associate pastor at Gosnell Baptist Church for 11 years before becoming the pastor at North Tenth Street Baptist Church where he has pastored for 22 years. Under his pastoral leadership he has seen the church grow in numbers, faith, and Christian maturity. He has had the privilege of leading many souls to their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and influenced their lives greatly. Max was a true man of God whose life touched people of all ages. He inspired throughout the various aspects of his life that a person could accomplish anything if they would just try with all their heart. His belief was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”

Max was preceded in death by his parents.

Max is survived by his wife of 52 1/2 years, Claudia Ann Leggett Briley of the home; children, Matt and Tonia Briley of Murfreesboro, Ark., Adam and Holly Briley of Harrisburg; grandchildren, Bethany and Andrew Cook, Cole Briley, Casen Briley, Macey Briley; brother, Gary and Jill Briley of Austin, Texas; sister; Deanna Briley of Nashville, Tenn.; brother and sisters-in-law, Ted and DeeAnn Leggett, Russell and Carla Leggett and sister and brothers-in-law, Susie and Craig Anderson; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 26, at 11 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Eddie Clemons and Dr. Steve Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 25, from 3-5 p.m. at the North Tenth Street Baptist Church. The family requests that any memorials be made to North Tenth Street Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.