USAF Maj (Ret) Levi Biggs, Jr. passed away peacefully on 27 December 2025. He was born on 22 July 1927 in Nogales, AZ, to Levi and Delores Biggs.

Spanish was Levi’s first language, but thanks to his older brother, George, he was fluent in English by the time he started school. A lifelong belief in education and excellence was born.

When he graduated high school, he was awarded an all-expenses-paid, renewable scholarship to Talladega College through a competitive examination among students in thirteen southern states. He also placed second among the 169 contestants in the Wilmington area in the national competitive examination.

Following in their father’s footsteps, Levi and his brothers all enlisted in the military. In 1947, Levi transferred from the Army to the newly founded Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX.

There he became smitten with a young debutante, Betty Jo Branch. Married 11 August 1951, they began their life and family together.

By 1955, Levi and Betty had a daughter, a son, and were stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA. Levi was the first African American officer to serve on the installation. Another son was welcomed into their family.

Following intimidation and threats against him and his family linked to the local Ku Klux Klan, the U.S. Air Force transferred him to Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK, where he served with a fighter-interceptor squadron during the early Cold War. He and Betty added a third son to their ever-growing family.

When his unit was later reassigned to duty at NAS Keflavik in Iceland, Levi was unable to

accompany them due to discriminatory policies in effect at the time that forbid African Americans from entering the country. Despite these racial policies, he served with professionalism, resilience, and quiet strength, honoring his country despite the barriers he and other Blacks faced.

Levi was then stationed at F.E. Warren, WY, as he completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Levi graduated with honors in 1963. He and Betty also completed their family with a daughter and son. He then received orders to Vandenberg AFB, CA. Levi proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring on 1 November 1965.

His service was inspired by a strong family legacy that included his father, MSG Levi Biggs Sr and his brothers, Tuskegee Airman, Major George; MSG Johnny; and Lt. Col. Richard “Kayo”. His sister, Bertha Castillo, was valedictorian of her high school class.

After military retirement, Levi settled in Lompoc, CA, where he and Betty lived for 62 years. He worked for Lockheed for 23 years, retiring in 1986. During his career, he contributed to major aerospace projects while working at SLC-6, including heading to Florida to work on Space Shuttle Challenger, and held several patents reflecting his technical innovations.

After his retirement, he followed Betty as she pursued her career as an artist. He was devoted to his Catholic faith and La Purisima Parish. For many years he served as a lector and usher. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Levi is survived by his brother, John, his children: Cheryl, Keith, Steffan (Elyse), Craig (Judy),

Maria (Clarence); five grandchildren, two great-grandsons and enough extended family to fill a small town.

His parents, beloved wife Betty, and his youngest son, Kevin, preceded Levi in death. He joins his brothers, George, Kayo, and sister, Bertha.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Assisted Hospice Care and their wonderful team who not only cared for Levi but also took excellent care of Betty and Kevin. We cannot thank them enough for going above and beyond to help our family see them all home.