Joseph J. Driggers Obituary
It is with great sorrow l share that Joseph Jefferson Driggers lost his great fight for life after a short illness. Joe, also known as Sonny, went to our Lord, on Friday, November 18th, 2022, with his wife, Elizabeth D Henry-Driggers by his side. Joe was the love of my life for the past 30 years.
Joe was born in 1937, to Berry and Jewel Driggers, in Hines, Florida. Joe was 85 years old. As a young boy, he trapped raccoons to sell; he would skin them before school to help his family. He played football in Bronson, Florida during high school. Joe had to quit school when he was in the 10th grade when his neighbor, Dan Newburn, helped Joe get a cotton crop in because Joe's Dad was ill. His Aunt Leila said Sonny was the real hero.
Joe joined the Navy in 1956 with his cousin Jimmy Driggers. During that time, he was in Warehouse and Acquisition. While serving on the 'Lexington', he initiated a program for all the parts that needed to be utilized in fixing aircraft and his ship. Joe finished high school in the Navy, and he went on to get a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego. He started looking around at all the trades in the Navy, and decided he was going to be an Electrician, so he went to all the great Navy schools to accomplish that.
After serving 4 years in the Navy, he got into a 5 year Electrical Apprenticeship, with the IBEW. He went on to get his Master Electrician's License; Joe was a member of the IBEW for 60 years. Joe started out with Emel Bemish on a trouble truck for HVAC and Electrical. He worked at Crystal River Nuclear Plant for 10 years, numerous Paper Mills, and he lit up the world. Joe worked at the University of Florida for 5 years and ushered in a Union. He was president of that Union, fighting hard against injustice. Joe worked 17 years at Saint Johns River Power Park/JEA. He started out in Instrument and Control, then was a Control's Electrician at the Plant. Joe retired in 2003 to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I was blessed to work alongside Joe at the Power Plant, when friends became sweethearts. I do not believe there is anything Joseph Jefferson Driggers could not do. Even though Joe left Dixie County in 1956 to make a living, he never left Dixie County in his heart. He was a member of the California Swamp Hunting Club, he built 2 houses and maintained the roads with his backhoe. Joe was an avid fisherman, hunter, and fighter against injustice. He waltzed across Florida in big old boats, horses, big old trucks, cars and backhoes. Joe snorkeled across Florida, and told great stories throughout his life. There will never be his equal among us again. ...EDH-D.
Funeral services for Mr. Driggers will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel. Interment will follow in the Cross City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050.
