Robert Driggers, Sr.

Robert Edward Driggers, Sr., 79, of St. Simons Island, Georgia passed away at his home on August 19, 2021.

Mr. Driggers was born in Glennville, Georgia, to the late Hugh and Vernice Driggers.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 40 plus years, Patricia Todd Driggers and his siblings Marvis Driggers, Larry Driggers, Jane Eason, and Angie Howard.

Robert was a proud U.S. Marine who left the farm and enlisted at the age of 17 after graduating from high school. Serving 27 years, he retired honorably in 1986 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.  Robert was a highly decorated Marine who literally wrote the book on Marine Corps recruitment.  While on active duty, he completed his undergraduate college degree, and then later completed an MBA program at Georgia College in Milledgeville.  It seems that old Ms. Hodges, one of Robert’s most memorable teachers at the Midway School, set him on the right path to complete his education.

Robert continued to serve his country in his later years, first with Warner Robins Air Force Base, and then later with the Department of Homeland Security at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.  He finally retired in 2013 after receiving many awards and making friends all over the country.

Robert married Janice Driggers in December 2016 and they made their home together on St. Simons Island.  Though they were only married a few years, they filled those years with love, friends, and travel.

Robert was an accomplished golfer and avid sports fan.  He loved the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs. From a young age, he was a voracious reader and could often be found with a good book. He was a masterful storyteller and frequently entertained friends and family with stories of his childhood mischief or his many eventful years in the service.  He also loved fishing.  It’s unlikely he could even count the number of fishing excursions he took with sons and grandchildren, brothers, brothers in law, good friends, and favorite nephew Walter.

Robert will be greatly missed by his family. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who never missed a birthday or family function, and he relished any chance to support and encourage those he loved.

Survivors include wife, Janice Driggers of St. Simons Island; his sons, Robert Driggers, Jr. (Dana) of St. Simons; Barry Driggers of Macon; and Brent Driggers (Cindy) of Macon, his grandchildren: Jonah Driggers, Sam Driggers, Jacob Driggers, Amber Driggers, and Haley Driggers, siblings:  Debbie Dutton (Dale), Jesse Driggers (Sherry), Jimmy Driggers (Katha), brother and sister-in-law Carolyn and Gerald Malcom of Monroe, and many nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service to celebrate his life will be held in Glennville, Georgia and he will be buried, with full military honors, in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The family asks for prayers for peace and comfort.  If you would like to make a donation in Robert’s name, please consider the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org.   This was one of his favorite charities.

Care and services are entrusted to Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville, Georgia.