Charles Daniel Driggers Jr.

Charles Daniel “Dan” Driggers Jr., 76, of Valrico, Florida, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025—his favorite time of the year—surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ocala, Florida, Dan went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, living a life defined by faith, family, service, and an unquenchable joy for the outdoors and simple pleasures.

Dan graduated from Ocala High School ’67, studied Business Administration and Management at Central Florida Junior College in Ocala, and built a dedicated career at Georgia-Pacific, MacMillan Bloedel, and Huttig Building Products, where he was sales manager for many years covering Florida and Georgia. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and quick sense of humor that lightened even the toughest days. He loved the yearly fishing tournament he organized for Huttig, where they would spend a week in Islamorada fishing and having fun. He also loved the many regional events and conferences where he was invited to speak on sales and share his experience with incoming younger generations in the company. As a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, he loved his time in uniform, where he served in Korea while stationed in Chandler, Arizona, and carried that sense of duty, honor, and patriotism throughout his life.

Family was Dan’s greatest priority and joy. He cherished his wife of over 55 years, Beverly; his children; and especially his grandchildren, always making time to support, celebrate, and create memories with them. An avid outdoorsman, he thrived on hunting, fishing, and bowhunting—those who went with him knew what a great hunter and fisherman he was. When others weren't catching fish, Dan always was, and he was happy to help them with a tip, a laugh, or steady encouragement, turning every trip into shared success and stories for years to come. He even taught his own father how to fish for bass in the Ocala National Forest, passing down skills and love of the outdoors across generations.

Dan’s passions extended to cheering fervently for the Florida Gators in any sport, dancing with a smile when music was playing, and running marathons, including qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon. A faithful deacon at First Baptist Church of Brandon, he served his church family with quiet devotion.

For the last 20 years, Dan fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, facing it without complaint and never giving up, inspiring all who knew him with his grace, humor, and unbreakable spirit.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; children, Sherry (Ward) Longbottom, Christina (Brian) Lametto; grandchildren, Gregory Longbottom, Brian Longbottom, Parker Lametto, and Alyson Lametto; and his next-door neighbors, Briggs, Fernanda, Julianna, and Junior, whom he considered family and with whom he shared many fun times fishing, dancing, and celebrating holidays. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Daniel Driggers Sr. and Marjorie Driggers, and his brother Raymond Driggers.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33510. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Dan’s memory.